best time to visit in armenia

• When Is The Best Time...

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Armenia

Armenia’s climate is distinguished by cold winters and hot, dry summers. Winter months are the coldest, with the northern region enduring fairly common snowfall. June to September are the hottest months, with temperatures getting as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). The average temperature ranges from 22 C (77.6 F) to 36 C (96.8 F). The evenings though are cool and refreshing. Here’s a detailed guide of the best times to visit Armenia, and a few things you can do here each month.

Usually, visitors avoid traveling to Armenia in winter months, as the temperatures are quite low. However, if you don’t mind cold and snow, there is potential for a great vacation. Main cities are free of tourists, and you’ll have the sights to yourself. Accommodation is much cheaper as well. For winter sports lovers, January might be the right time to visit Armenia; the ski resort Tsaghkadzor is flush with alpine meadows and is located 1,841 meters (6,040 Ft) above sea level.

Temperature: 2.7 C (36.8 F)

Rainfall: 8 days

Similar to January, February is pretty quiet in the cities. However, for those who enjoy traveling to another country in winter, February is a good month to see snow-covered cities and monasteries. One of the most beautiful places in winter is Khor Virap, which has a magnificent view of the snow-covered Ararat Mountain.

Temperature: 5.3 C (41.5 F)

Rainfall: 12 days

The month of March slowly brings the season of spring to the country. This is the time when nature awakens and cities start to get their first hesitant carpet of green. The temperature is still low, so Armenia’s main attractions are not full of tourists.

Temperature: 8.9 C (48 F)

April is considered to be the wettest month with heavy showers lasting for a couple of days at a time. Therefore, you might want to avoid traveling during this time. If you are determined, don’t forget to bring an umbrella or a raincoat. It should be noted that the weather during April often differs within short distances, due to fluctuations in altitude and other factors.

Temperature: 14.6 C (58.2 F)

Rainfall: 18 days

The beginning of the month of May is characterized with heavy showers, like April. Thus, the best time to visit Armenia is from late May to early June. This time of year, the weather is comfortable before the heat sets in, making it an ideal time to explore the country. Additionally, Yerevan hosts wine days from May 11 to May 15, if you’d like to try local products. Gourmands will enjoy the Dolma Festival in Aragatsotn Province on May 20.

Temperature: 20.1 C (68.2 F)

Rainfall: 22 days

As mentioned above, the month of June is the best time to explore the country – rains are unlikely and nature is in full bloom. In addition to visiting Armenia’s must-see destinations, visitors can enjoy various cultural and traditional events, such as the Sheep Shearing Festival held on June 09 or the Bread in the Mountains Festival held on June 10.

Temperature: 26.6 C (79.9 F)

Rainfall: 13 days

In July, the weather gets hotter with low humidity. It is also the busiest month for Armenia. So if the heat doesn’t bother you, you can come to enjoy the beautiful towns of Armenia, as well as attend some of its festivities. Despite the fact that July is considered the hottest month, the majority of the festivals are held this time of the year, including the Syunik Mulberry Festival, the Vardavar Water Festival , the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival, the Yerevan Color Run, or the Watermelon Festival.

Temperature: 29.3 C (84.8 F)

Rainfall: 3 days

Just like July, the month of August is considered one of the hottest months of the year. However, the country still organizes various events to keep locals and visitors entertained. Lovers of culture and tradition will enjoy the Taraz Festival, a national dress day, while beer lovers can participate in various activities held during the Yerevan Beer Fest at Sevan Lake . Moreover, meat and barbecue fans will enjoy time spent at the Barbecue Festival in Akhtala.

Temperature: 29 C (84.2 F)

Late September is another amazing time to visit Armenia, as the temperature cools off and the weather is comfortable enough to have a nice tour around the country. Like July, September is a month full of interesting events you can attend, such as the Carpet Festival held in Dilijan on September 8, the Harissa Festival on September 15 in Musaler, the International Balloon Festival in Yerevan from September 15-18, a celebration of the Armenian traditional dessert Gata on September 22 in Khachik, and the Erebuni-Yerevan Festival (the ‘birthday’ of the city) on September 29-30. Temperature: 25.9 C (78.7 F) Rainfall: 4 days

October is one of the best times to visit Armenia. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the cities, making the country the most beautiful at this time of the year. Unlike many other months, October here doesn’t bring many celebrations. There are only two festivals to mark in your calendar: the Areni Wine Festival held on October 6 in Areni and the ReAnimania Yerevan International Animation Film and Comics Art Festival that runs from October 28 through November 3 in Yerevan. Otherwise, plan your itinerary around visiting the countrysides and some of the country’s best landmarks. Bring a light jacket or a pullover, as evenings get a bit chilly.

Temperature: 16.1 C (61 F)

Rainfall: 20 days

In November, the temperature drops and the country starts to prepare for winter. There aren’t any festivals planned for this month; however, if you are up for visiting the city when it has fewer tourists, then November is a perfect time to do so. Make sure to pack warm clothes, and wear a comfortable jacket and warm shoes while walking through the city or traveling to remote areas.

Temperature: 9.6 C (49.2 F)

Rainfall: 10 days

Like the rest of the winter months, December is quiet in Armenia, with fewer tourists visiting the country. The temperature on average drops below 0 degrees Celsius (32 F) and walking around Yerevan or elsewhere might not be comfortable. However, mid-December is a bit slow at the ski resort Tsaghkadzor, located 60 km (37.28 miles) from Yerevan, so you may find a few fresh ski slopes all to yourself.

Temperature: 4 C (39.2 F)

When not to go Armenia

If you are not a winter person and don’t enjoy visiting a new place in colder temperatures, avoid the winter months. As mentioned above, April and May might not be a good fit either due to a large number of rainy days. As far as warmer months go, July gets quite busy with tourists, so be sure to plan accordingly.

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Wander-Lush

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary for 3-10 Days of Travel

Looking for an easy Armenia itinerary that can be done with public transport? This guide pulls together the best things to do in Armenia for first-time visitors, with recommended routes for 3-10 days of travel. Detailed transportation info, travel tips and up-to-date advice included.

The nation of Armenia in the Caucasus region is the perfect alchemy of flawless scenery, captivating cities, magnificent monasteries , and enchanting small towns.

Off the beaten path but still easy enough for travellers to navigate, Armenia easily offers one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can find in Europe these days.

Whether you’re looking for an easy add-on to the end of your Georgia itinerary or something more substantial to insert into a broader Caucasus travel itinerary , this Armenia itinerary showcases the best of the country’s north.

Building on my own experiences travelling in Armenia, I’ve included three recommended routes for 3, 7 or 10 days of travel. Each itinerary includes comprehensive and up-to-date transport information, accommodation advice, and ideas for things to do.

If you have any follow up questions about this itinerary or you need some advice about your own trip, feel free to leave me a note in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help out.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Planning your Armenia itinerary

To help you plan your Armenia visit I want to start with some itinerary planning basics. If you’re all over the logistics, you can skip straight to the first itinerary using this link .

When is the best time to visit Armenia?

Late spring (April/May) and early fall (September/October) are, in my opinion, the nicest times of year to visit Armenia. I recommend avoiding peak summer season (especially July/August) as the cities get very hot and crowded. Temperatures in Yerevan regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius in the middle of summer.

I first visited Armenia in spring and still think this is probably the most pleasant season. Outdoor cafes start opening up and you’ll see beautiful flower markets overflowing on every sidewalk in Yerevan. Celebrating Easter in the world’s first Christian nation is a special experience, as is marking Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24.

The itineraries presented here are trans-seasonal and can be done at any time of year.

Do you need a visa for Armenia?

Armenia has a generous visa policy that allows passport holders from 35+ countries (including the US, the European Union and Australia) to visit visa-free for up to 180 days within a year .

If you’re not on the visa-free list, you may be eligible to apply for a visa on arrival (available at both air and land borders) or an e-visa. Some nationalities are required to apply for a visa in advance.

Check if you need a tourist visa to travel to Armenia and apply for an expedited visa if you do via my partners at iVisa .

How many days do you need in Armenia?

I think 3 days is the absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in Armenia. Broadly speaking, you can see the highlights of northern Armenia in about a week, and with 10 days or more you can get a good overview of the country.

This itinerary focuses on northern Armenia and can therefore be added onto the start or end of your Georgia itinerary quite easily. All of Armenia’s major cities are in the north, as is its biggest lake, the wine region, and a good number of its must-see monasteries.

At the end of this guide I’ve included recommendations for more places to visit in southern Armenia.

Where to start your Armenia itinerary

Armenia has two major transport hubs: Yerevan (flights from Georgia , Europe and the Middle East plus overnight trains from Tbilisi ) and Gyumri (flights from Europe). I recommend starting your travels in the capital, Yerevan.

The itineraries outlined here all start in Yerevan and finish in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, located in the north-west corner of the country. From here, you have the option to fly out of Gyumri airport, loop back to Yerevan by bus, or continue overland into southern Georgia via Akhaltsikhe .

Note that Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed and overland travel between these countries is not permitted. If you’re coming from Azerbaijan, you will need to cross through Georgia first. I recommend using the night train to get from Baku to Tbilisi .

How to get around Armenia

Armenia is compact with relatively good transport connections. This makes getting around quite quick and easy, even if you’re relying on public transport alone.

Armenia has a railway network, but marshrutka vans (fixed route minivans) are the most popular way to get from place to place. Marshrutka vans are affordable and fast, but schedules are flexible as drivers only tend to depart when their van is sufficiently full (rather than sticking to a set timetable). Shared taxis are a good alternative to marshrutky if you’re willing to pay a bit more. Drivers can usually be found at the bus station.

Minivans are centrally administered under Armenia’s National Transport Authority. Note that Yerevan has several bus stations spread around the city so you’ll need to double-check where your van departs. Use the T-Armenia website to check marshrutka (and train) schedules and fares , then cross-check times locally where possible.

Most drivers take their lunch break from 11am-2pm so there are often no vans running during the middle part of the day. Road safety is something you should be wary of in Armenia so I strongly suggest you only travel by road during daylight hours . 

Organised day trips are very affordable in Armenia and are a good way to make the most of your time, especially if you’re basing yourself in Yerevan. I recommend booking day trips through Get Your Guide or Viator . Vendors on both platforms are vetted and more likely to observe good road safety practices.

It’s possible to hire a car in Armenia and self-drive, but be aware that the driving style takes some getting used to and road conditions vary dramatically throughout the country. If you’re thinking of hiring a car, I recommend using Local Rent to search for a local rental. Prices start from $26 per day.

The itineraries described here use marshrutka vans exclusively, with a couple of organised day trips and one taxi transfer.

Armenia travel itinerary options

Here is a brief outline of the three itinerary options included in this guide.

Under each full itinerary you’ll find a day-by-day breakdown including things to do, where to stay, and detailed transportation instructions for getting from place to place.

3 day Armenia itinerary [Click here to jump to the full itinerary.] Days 1-2: Yerevan Day 3: Day trip of your choosing

5-7 day Armenia itinerary [Click here to jump to the full itinerary.] Days 1-2: Yerevan Day 3: Day trip of your choosing Days 4-5: Vanadzor & Debed Canyon Days 6-7: Gyumri

10 day Armenia itinerary [Click here to jump to the full itinerary.] Days 1-2: Yerevan Day 3: Day trip of your choosing Day 4: Day trip to Tatev Monastery Days 5-6: Dilijan & Lake Sevan Days 7-8: Vanadzor & Debed Canyon Days 9-10: Gyumri

Click here to open an interactive map of my Armenia itinerary in a new tab. Each of the three options is included as a separate layer.

3 days in Armenia: Perfect Yerevan itinerary

If you only have a few days to spend in Armenia, I recommend you focus your attention on the capital city, Yerevan . There are plenty of day trips on offer, making it easy to explore the countryside and other towns and cities while using Yerevan as a base.

Nicknamed ‘the Pink City’ for the rose-coloured tuff stone facades of its oldest buildings, Yerevan has all the elegance and charm of any European capital. Because of its location, quite literally at the crossroads of East and West, multiculturalism is baked into the city’s character.

Yerevan is home to Armenia’s most important cultural and historical institutions, including the Genocide Memorial Complex. A city of parks and fountains, Yerevan is brimming with outdoor cafes and wine bars, an amazing array of restaurants that showcase national and international cuisines, colourful markets, and historic churches .

Where to stay in Yerevan

• Budget hostel: Highland Hostel (⭐ 9.8), a crowd favourite 10 minutes’ walk from Republic Square.
• Mid-range hotel: Republica Hotel (⭐ 9.2), decorated with traditional carpets and with views of Ararat.
• Boutique hotel: Villa Delenda (⭐ 8.8), set in a 100-year-old property with heritage furnishings.
• Luxury hotel: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (⭐ 9.1), 19th-century-style hotel with modern suites and an onsite restaurant and carpet museum.

Find more Yerevan accommodations here on Booking.com.

Day 1: Best of Yerevan

Tip: If you’re arriving at Yerevan Airport, take the shuttle bus to the city (300 AMD) or pre-book a private transfer to your hotel online here (from $14 per group). Once you’re in the city, I recommend picking up a local sim card so that you can use Google Maps to navigate and most importantly download an app to book taxis. My preferred mobile provider in Armenia is Team Telecom , and the taxi app I use most frequently is GG Taxi .

Spend your first morning in Armenia getting acquainted with Yerevan’s blossoming specialty coffee culture. Start your day with coffee and a croissant at Lumen Coffee 1936 (open from 8.30am daily), a beautiful old-worldly cafe close to the Cascade. The fit out includes many original furnishings, including ornately painted ceilings and old wooden cabinets.

After fueling up, it’s time for my number one favourite Yerevan must-do, climbing the Cascade Complex . This monumental stone ‘staircase’ is embedded in a hillside at the northern end of town and houses the Cafesjian Centre for the Arts inside. At the bottom of the stairs you’ll find a sculpture garden with works by Medellin -born sculptor Fernando Botero.

Take the exterior stairs or head inside to ride the escalators all the way up. The view from the top of the Cascade is breathtaking – not only can you see all of downtown Yerevan stretched out before you, but you also get a glimpse of snow-crested Mount Ararat , Armenia’s spiritual emblem, looming in the distance.

The Cascade links lower Yerevan with the upper museum district. At the top, you’ll find several of the city’s most important institutions, including the Matenadaran (open from 10am Tues-Sat; 1500 AMD). Officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, this building is home to the world’s largest collection of Armenian-language manuscripts.

Admire the monumental building from outside, then take a walk through the halls of the institute to admire the various illuminated pages and beautiful examples of the Armenian alphabet.

If your legs can carry you, continue climbing up to Victory Park and the Mother Armenia monument , exploring the abandoned Aragil Restaurant along the way.

Walk through the heart of Yerevan via the Opera Theatre and Freedom Square to Abovyan Street. Along the way, you’ll pass by several important landmarks – including the Holy Mother of God Kathoghike Church (the oldest in Yerevan) and the Soviet-era Moscow Cinema .

There are a number of excellent eateries in this part of town; I recommend having lunch at Dolmama on Pushkin Street (open from 11am; reservations recommended), a Yerevan institution that specialises in traditional Armenian cuisine. The signature dish here is the dolma , stuffed vine leaves served with yogurt.

After lunch, browse some of the gift boutiques around Dolmama, including Ardean (silk scarves and prints), Dalan (ceramics and knickknacks), and Salt Sack (carpet clippings, artworks and a huge range of authentic souvenirs ). Pop into Art Kvartal , a new creative complex on Pushkin Street with contemporary art galleries and design shops.

Continue on foot a few more blocks to reach Republic Square . This tulip-lined plaza with a magnificent water fountain in the centre and stately stone buildings around the perimeter is the nucleus of Yerevan. In the afternoon you’ll find the square crowded with families and groups of friends bathing in the sun and eating ice cream cones.

Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the Vernissage (open until 6pm daily), Yerevan’s massive outdoor handicraft and artist’s market. Don’t miss ‘carpet row’ where vendors display their collections of Caucasian rugs.

Sherep Restaurant (open daily; reservations recommended) is a good option for dinner not far from the Vernissage on the opposite side of Republic Square. Finish your first night in Yerevan with a drink at Mirzoyan Library (open daily until midnight), a cool bar/creative hangout located inside a heritage courtyard on Mkrtchyan Street.

Day 2: Alternative Yerevan

Grab breakfast at your accommodation or try out another of Yerevan’s cafes. I love The Green Bean (open from 8.30am daily) for good coffee and light meals.

Find the nearest underground station and exchange a 100 AMD coin for a token, then take a spin on the wonderfully retro Yerevan metro . From Republic Square, it’s just one stop to Zoravar Andranik. Admire the massive Soviet-era apartment blocks around the station before continuing to your first destination for the day, the GUM Market .

The GUM Market (from 11am daily) is one of Yerevan’s main produce hubs. Here, you can see giant sheets of lavash , Armenia’s national bread , being prepared and sold alongside vibrant displays of dried and candied fruits, pickles and fresh produce. Set aside at least an hour to wander the aisles, sampling a few fruit and nut delicacies as you go.

After browsing the market, take a taxi to the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex , located on a hill on the city’s western side. Walk through the sombre outdoor memorial to the victims before visiting the adjacent Armenian Genocide Museum (Tues-Sun from 11am; free entry but donations welcome).

If you don’t know a lot about the events of April 1915, this museum will leave you reeling. It’s a difficult visit at times but an essential part of your Yerevan itinerary in my mind – especially if you want to better understand the events that have shaped Armenia into the nation it is today. Displays are beautifully curated with lots of information in English. You need up to 2 hours to see and read everything.

Take a taxi back into town for lunch. I recommend either Anoush (from 7am daily; try the apricot beer and the baklava) or Tavern Yerevan (from 9.30am daily; budget friendly Armenian fare), both off Amiryan Street.

From there, it’s a 2-minute walk down Mashtots Avenue to the Blue Mosque (open daily but closed from 1-3pm; free entry). The only functioning mosque in Armenia, this is a beautiful complex of mosaic facades and manicured gardens. It’s an oasis in the city and the perfect place for a post-lunch wander. Don’t miss seeing the facade of the old market opposite the mosque entrance.

Pay a visit to the quirky Sergei Parajanov Museum (from 10.30am daily; 1000 AMD) to learn about one of the 20th century’s most underrated avant-garde filmmakers. Armenia has lots of house museums (small institutions dedicated to famous artists and political figures), and this is my favourite of them all.

The museum is a vibrant hodgepodge of Parajanov’s collages, artworks and personal possessions. It’s a window onto his eclectic personality and career – even if you know nothing about his films, it’s still a very enjoyable visit. The museum is located on Dzoragyugh 1st Street, a 15-minute walk from the mosque.

After the museum, it’s time to get lost in Kond, Yerevan’s oldest neighbourhood . Located on a hill, this area is a maze of winding streets and tumbledown facades. Wander through the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel that runs beneath the streets to find Hrazdan Gorge , an unexpected green space. Here you’ll find several cool Soviet-style sculptures, an amusement park and the Children’s Railway .

One of my favourite places for dinner in Yerevan is Twelve Tables (open Mon-Sat), a petite restaurant serving local wines and healthy, fresh meals. The pomegranate salad is divine.

End your evening with an Armenian wine degustation at In Vino (open until midnight daily), Yerevan’s leading wine bar. Formal tastings feature 4-6 local wines paired with Armenian snacks. Reservations are recommended for a tasting – or you can just opt for wine by the glass from the restaurant’s ‘library’ of 25-plus local labels.

Recommended reading for Yerevan: – 30 excellent things to do in Yerevan – Where to go shopping in Yerevan for Armenian souvenirs – Full guide to visiting the GUM Market

Day 3: Day trip from Yerevan

After two full days in Yerevan it’s time to head out of the city. A good number of Armenia’s most important monasteries and some seriously impressive landscapes can be visited within a day from the capital, so you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to day trips.

It’s possible to do some day trips independently using public transport, but to get the most out of it, I highly recommend joining a tour. My favourite company in Yerevan for organised day trips is Hyur Service . I’ve used them several times and have always found guides professional and drivers safe. They have guaranteed daily departures (tours vary depending on the day of the week and the season) and there’s no supplementary charge for solo travellers.

I love that the itineraries pair multiple stops so you really get a bang for your buck (prices are very affordable, too). Just be prepared for a long day – and bring some snacks with you.

Here are my top recommendations for a Yerevan day trip.

For culture seekers: Day trip to Geghard & Garni

The 1st-century Garni Temple and medieval UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery are within a 15-minute drive of each other. This is my top choice for an easy day trip – both landmarks are wonderful to see in person, and it only requires around 2 hours of driving in total.

This full-day itinerary with Hyur Service combines Garni and Geghard with a visit to Lake Sevan and a lavash-baking workshop. I did this trip last time I visited Armenia and I really enjoyed it – the photo of lavash at the top of the post was taken on this tour.

→ Book online via Viator.

For history buffs: Day trip to Echmiadzin & Zvartnots

Echmiadzin (also known as Vagharshapat) is home to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. On the way from Yerevan, you can stop off at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, the much-photographed ring of columns that frames views of Mount Ararat. Total driving time is around 90 minutes.

→ Book this tour with Hyur Service online via Viator.

For adventurers: Day trip to Tatev Monastery & Noravank

Tatev is one of Armenia’s most spectacular monasteries, not least of all because you sail in by cable car. It’s located in the country’s far-south and can be visited in a day – but be warned that it requires a lot of driving (around 4.5 hours each way). Along the way, you can stop at Noravank Monastery and Carahunge (the ‘Armenian Stonehenge’ ).

I did this day trip with Hyur Service on my first visit to Armenia and loved it. Read more about my experience here .

→ Book the same tour I did online via Viator.

For wine lovers: Day trip to Khor Virap & Areni wine region

Khor Virap monastery is located roughly an hour from Yerevan, very close to the Turkish border. If you want spectacular views of Mount Ararat, this is the place to go. This trip to Khor Virap with Hyur also includes a wine tasting in Areni, Armenia’s up-and-coming wine region .

If your time in Armenia ends here, you could consider an additional day trip to one of the other locations mentioned in the longer itineraries below: Haghpat and Sanahin, Gyumri, or Lake Sevan and Dilijan.

Day trip to Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries

Visiting Haghpat and Sanahin, the two UNESCO-listed monasteries in Armenia’s far-north, requires a lot of driving from Yerevan – 6 hours on the road at a minimum. If you don’t mind being in the car for that long, it’s a real treat to drive through this part of the country. Debed Canyon, where the monasteries are located, is nothing short of incredible.

Ideally you would visit the monasteries as a day trip from Vanadzor instead (see the next itinerary for details) or even from Tbilisi .

→ Book this day trip with Hyur Service online via Viator.

Day trip to Gyumri

Armenia’s second-largest city is a two-hour drive from Yerevan. Gyumri is a fascinating place with plenty to do, which is why I highly recommend spending at least one night there (see the next itinerary for details). If you’re time-poor, a day trip is still an option.

→ Book a private tour to Gyumri with Hyur via Viator.

Day trip to Lake Sevan and Dilijan

Armenia’s largest lake and Sevanavank Monastery are under 90-minutes drive from Yerevan. This tour offered by Hyur visits Dilijan, Armenia’s ‘little Switzerland’, after Lake Sevan.

One week in Armenia itinerary

As you can see, there is plenty to see and do within a few hours’ drive of Yerevan. With one week in Armenia you can experience the best of the capital, fit in a day trip or two, then explore two more regions in the north that are among my favourite places in the country – Gyumri (Armenia’s second city) and Debed Canyon.

You could easily shorten this into a 5-day Armenia itinerary by making a choice between the final two destinations.

Yerevan – [day trip] – Vanadzor & Debed Canyon – Gyumri

Days 1-2: Yerevan

See the previous itinerary for details.

Days 4-5: Vanadzor & Debed Canyon

Vanadzor has a population of just over 85,000 people, making it Armenia’s third-largest city. If you enjoy Soviet throwbacks, interesting architecture and the industrial aesthetic , then you should definitely include it on your itinerary.

Vanadzor is better known for being the gateway to Lori Region and Debed Canyon, a splendid slice of Armenia in the far-far north, close to the border with Georgia. This is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the entire country and it’s also where you’ll find several significant monasteries, including Haghpat and Sanahin, Armenia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site .

I recommend travelling up from Yerevan in the mid-morning then spending a full afternoon in Vanadzor, starting with a home-cooked lunch at Home Restaurant . Go for a walk around the city and see how many Soviet-style sculptures and vintage cars you can spot. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Stop by the indoor market hall , which features an interesting Soviet-style mosaic/mural on the back wall.

Spend your second day visiting the monasteries and driving through Debed Canyon. Marshrutka vans are available from Vanadzor to Alaverdi but schedules are ad-hoc and it can be difficult to get the timing right. I therefore suggest hiring a driver for the day. Taxis wait outside the bus station in Vanadzor; we paid 12,000 AMD for a full day on the road. Find my detailed guide to visiting the monasteries here .

Where to stay in Vanadzor

• Mid-range hotel: DownTown B&B (⭐ 9.3), spacious and clean apartments with ensuite bathrooms and a small kitchenette.
• Guesthouse: MagHay B&B (⭐ 9.4), family run guesthouse with outstanding hospitality and homemade meals.
• Luxury hotel: Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel (⭐ 9.1), 5-star heritage hotel on the Debed River 30 minutes from Vanadzor.

Find more Vanadzor accommodations here on Booking.com.

How to get to Vanadzor from Yerevan

Direct marshrutka vans to Vanadzor depart from Yerevan’s Kilikia Bus Station approximately every 30 minutes between 8.45am and 6.30pm daily. There does not appear to be a pause in the schedule for lunch hours. The journey time is 2.5 hours and the fare is 1200 AMD .

Days 6-7: Gyumri

Gyumri is Armenia’s second city and a total contrast to Yerevan. In 1988, the Spitak earthquake devastated Gyumri, rewriting the city’s history. The rebuilding process is still underway – both literally (many of the buildings and churches in downtown Gyumri are still awaiting repair), and figuratively.

I adore Gyumri ; I actually prefer it to Yerevan in many respects. The architecture is magnificent (as a contrast to ‘pink’ Yerevan, the buildings here are fashioned from black and gold tuff). There is a wonderful fortress and a Mother Armenia monument nearby, a great local market in town, and a bunch of interesting social enterprises, including a ceramics workshop and a cafe.

As Gyumri’s recovery continues I only expect it will become a more popular destination. The introduction of budget flights to Gyumri’s airport from Western Europe in 2019 certainly helped push things along.

This itinerary allows for 1.5 days in Gyumri after the bus ride from Vanadzor. I spent almost a full week in the city and never got bored.

Where to stay in Gyumri

• Budget-friendly guesthouse: Guest House in Gyumri (⭐ 9.8), modern rooms in a family home with outstanding hospitality, home-cooked meals and a beautiful outdoor terrace (my top choice in Gyumri!).
• Boutique hotel: Villa Kars (⭐ 9.1), gorgeous heritage-style boutique rooms set in a stone building in the centre of the city.
• Social enterprise hotel: Berlin Art Hotel (⭐ 9.0), tidy rooms, a beautiful garden and friendly service – founded by the German Red Cross.

Find more Gyumri accommodations here on Booking.com.

How to get to Gyumri from Vanadzor

Direct marshrutka vans to Gyumri depart from Vanadzor’s Bus Station at least four times daily between 9.30am and 4.30pm. The journey time is 1.5 hours and the fare is 800 AMD . The morning van tends to fill up (we almost missed out) so if possible, ask your host in Gyumri to call ahead and save you a seat. If you’re staying at Guest House in Gyumri, the owner will happily drive you to the station and ensure you get a seat.

Recommended reading for Gyumri: – My complete Gyumri city guide

10 days in Armenia itinerary

Ten days is the perfect amount of time to get a good overview of Armenia’s north. This itinerary builds on the previous one, with an extra stop at Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

If you’re interested in hiking in Armenia, Dilijan is a must-visit. If you’d prefer to spend more time in the cities, you could easily skip it and add a few extra days in Yerevan/Gyumri instead.

Yerevan – [day trip] – Tatev Monastery – Vanadzor & Debed Canyon – Dilijan & Lake Sevan – Gyumri

Day 4: Day trip to Tatev Monastery

It would be a shame to spend 10 days in Armenia and not see the south, so for this itinerary I suggest setting aside an extra day for a side trip to Tatev Monastery.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of driving required (around 4.5 hours each way) to get to Tatev, but in my experience it’s not too draining provided you choose a tour itinerary with lots of stops along the way. I did this day trip with Hyur Service on my first visit to Armenia and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hyur Service now offers four different options for Tatev:

• The highlights: Group Tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Devil’s Bridge & Tatev Monastery (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• For wine lovers: Group Tour to Hin Areni Winery, Tatev Monastery & Khndzoresk Caves (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• For nature: Group Tour to Shaki Waterfall, Devil’s Bridge, Tatev Monastery & Hin Areni Winery (from $45 per person) – book here on Viator
• Private tour: Full-Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank & Tatev Monastery (from $210 per group) – book here on Viator

Recommended reading: – What to expect on a day trip to Tatev from Yerevan

Days 5-6: Dilijan & Lake Sevan

Dubbed ‘Armenia’s Little Switzerland’, Dilijan is a popular destination for hikers because of its proximity to marked trails in Dilijan National Park , including an 80km section of the Transcaucasian Trail .

Dilijan is not my favourite place in Armenia – personally I found it quite underwhelming. The beautiful stone architecture you see in photos is limited to a small (privately owned) corner of the town. I also found restaurant and accommodation prices here off-the-charts expensive when I visited in summer. (My guess is that because it’s so close to Yerevan, people flock here for fresh air and prices go up significantly in the warmer months.)

I know other people who feel the same, and I also know people who really enjoyed their time in Dilijan. I’ll let you make up your own mind.

Just be aware that if you’re not much of a hiker, you’ll run out of things to do in Dilijan pretty quickly. I spent most of my time at Cafe #2 (daily from 9am) on the lake drinking coffee and eating pancakes! (In all seriousness this is a wonderful social enterprise cafe that you should visit at least once.)

If you are a hiker, the trails to Parz Lich lake and Haghartsin Monastery are supposed to be among the best.

My favourite part of Dilijan was this spectacular mineral water spring , which I had to stop to photograph every time I walked past. I guess I’m not the only one – I later found a tote bag illustrated with the same spring at the little shop inside Cafe #2. Needless to say it came home with me!

From Dilijan, you can easily take a side trip to Lake Sevan , the biggest lake in the Caucasus. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the peninsular where Sevanavank Monastery and the Sevan Writers’ House are located.

It only takes an hour or so to visit the peninsula – there’s not much else to do except visit the monastery, photograph the Writers’ House, and watch the maniacal jet skiers criss-cross the lake. See my Lake Sevan guide for more suggestions.

If you’re up for a bit of Soviet adventurising, you can spend a night on the peninsula, staying at the Sevan Writers’ House which nowadays contains a basic but atmospheric hotel . Not only is the hotel a whacky and fun experience, but it’s much more pleasurable to explore the monastery and peninsula in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

Reservations for the Writers’ House can be made here on Booking.com .

Where to stay in Dilijan

• Mid-range hotel: Popock Dilijan 1 (⭐ 8.8), small but comfortable rooms set on the hill above town.
• Cottage: Old Dili (⭐ 9.3), cute self-contained wooden cabin walking distance from the centre of Dilijan.
• Luxury hotel: Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex (⭐ 8.9), stylish rooms and beautiful common spaces set in a series of old stone buildings.

Find more Dilijan accommodations here on Booking.com.

How to get to Dilijan from Yerevan

Direct marshrutka vans to Dilijan depart from Yerevan’s Northern Bus Station every 30-60 minutes between 9am and 4pm daily. The journey time is 1.75 hours and the fare is 1000 AMD .

How to travel between Lake Sevan and Dilijan

Yerevan-bound vans all pass by Lake Sevan so to get to the lake, we simply took a van from Dilijan bus station and jumped off early. Drivers will only drop you on the highway so you need to walk the rest of the way to the lake (around 15 minutes on foot). Tickets must be purchased in advance from the cashier inside the Dilijan bus station. We paid 500 AMD to get to Sevan from Dilijan.

To get back to Dilijan, we simply flagged down a passing van on the main road (opposite to where the first driver let us off). We ended up paying double to get back, but a big storm was rolling in and we were just thankful to find a ride!

Recommended reading: – 10 things to do at Lake Sevan

Days 7-8: Vanadzor & Debed Canyon

How to get to vanadzor from dilijan.

Direct marshrutka vans to Vanadzor depart from Dilijan Bus Station at least six times daily between 8.30am and 5.30pm. The journey time is 45 minutes and the fare is 800 AMD . Note that there are no vans on this route between midday and 4pm.

Remember that paper tickets must be purchased from the cashier inside the Dilijan bus station. If travelling in summer, it’s recommended to buy your tickets at least a couple of hours in advance or the day before.

Days 9-10: Gyumri

Direct marshrutka vans to Vanadzor depart from the bus station in Gyumri three times daily between 9.30am and 4.30pm. The journey time is 1.5 hours and the fare is 800 AMD .

More time? Other places to visit in Armenia

If you have more time in Armenia, I suggest heading south, adding Jermuk – Goris – Khndzoresk to make this into a 2-week Armenia itinerary. Or you could head north into Georgia to continue your travels.

Momik Wine Cube (Areni)

Armenia’s Areni wine region isn’t as developed as Georgia’s Kakheti , but there are some great wineries that have opened to visitors in recent years. I’m itching to visit Momik WineCube in Vayots Dzor.

A number of important archaeological sites – including the Areni-1 Cave where the world’s oldest leather shoe was found – are located in the wine region around Areni.

Jermuk is an old Soviet-era spa town with a similar vibe to Borjomi in Georgia . As well as a stately Water Gallery building and several working sanatoria there are hiking trails and waterfalls nearby.

Direct marshrutka vans to Jermuk depart from Yerevan’s Kilikia Bus Station. At the time of writing, there are only three vans in the afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. The journey time is 4-4.5 hours and the fare is 2000 AMD . From Jermuk, you can find onward transport to Goris and Khndzoresk locally.

Further south, the town of Goris is known for being the gateway to Tatev Monastery . If you plan on visiting the monastery and ropeway independently, this is where you should set out from.

There are hiking trails around Goris that lead you through unique pinnacle rock formation, some with medieval cave dwellings cut from the rock. The town itself – the first in Armenia to be built in a grid pattern – looks quite pretty.

Khndzoresk village is just outside Goris and has a similar landscape of canyons, rocky spires and man-made caves . From the photos I’ve seen, it looks quite spectacular.

Are you planning a trip to Armenia? If there’s anything I might be able to help with please feel free to leave your questions or comments below!

Armenia Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Armenia!

Armenia Essentials

My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Armenia.

Find affordable flights to Armenia

Yerevan Airport transfer

Save on museums & transport

Hire a car in Armenia

Get an e-visa for Armenia

Find the perfect accommodation

Book city tours & day trips

Order the latest Lonely Planet

More from Armenia

• The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary
• Things to do in Yerevan , 25 must-sees and alternative spots
• Where to find authentic and meaningful Armenian souvenirs in Yerevan
• Don’t miss the GUM Market , Yerevan’s colourful produce hall
• Tips for being a responsible tourist in Armenia
• The best day trip from Yerevan
• Guide to Gyumri , Armenia’s second city
• Guide to visiting the UNESCO monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin
• How to travel between Armenia and Georgia by overnight train
• 12 things you should know before travelling to the Caucasus

15 Comments

Hi Emily! Thanks for your beautiful blog! We visited Georgia for 9 full days and I planned most of our trip according to yours itineraries and suggestions. It was our last backpackers trip as I got lucky in Georgia and now we have a nice little addition in the family. Now we are planning 8 days in Armenia during second week of April being the first leisure trip for our 11-month old. We are looking forward to have a more relaxed vacation amidst greenery, mountains and forests, waterfalls and some nice resorts or hotels. Kindly suggest, appreciate your thoughts.

How wonderful, Java! Big congratulations. Some version of this itinerary could work well, or you might head south to Jermuk, I hear it is quite beautiful and relaxing. This website is a terrific resource for Armenia travel planning: https://absolutearmenia.com/blog/

Safe travels and I hope the three of you have a wonderful trip!

Dear Emily, wanted to take the opportunity and say thank you for all the great information you have incorporated into your blog. It was super helpful for us when planning our time in Armenia and Georgia. Just coming back from Armenia, I wanted to share two additional highlights. One is the swinging bridge in KHNDZORESK as well as the old romantic monastery at the bottom of the canyon (where the bridge goes over). Another thing is the abandond Radio-Optical Telescope in Orgov. Blew us completely away. Seems to become quite popular, just the guy at the entrance one need to deal with :). Thanks again for all your valuable tips, often the locals have even confirmed your tips! All the best for you

Thanks so much for the tips Konstanze! Sounds amazing. I really have to explore more of Armenia. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Hi Emily! first of all, thanks for your beautiful blog! We are just back from Georgia and I planned most of our trip according to yours itineraries and suggestions. Now we are planning 10 days in Armenia at the very end of October/first week of November. In Georgia we have rented a car and we had nearly no problems (ok, they are crazy drivers but we are from Italy and probably we are a bit used to anarchy!). What about roads in Armenia? Normally we love taking trains and marshrutkas, but there are so many things I would like to see and we are really tempted about this option… I think it would save us so much time, but on the other side we would miss so much of the local life experience… Any personal experience? Loretta

Hello Loretta, so happy to hear that! And awesome to hear that you’ll be back in the region again so soon! I think you will find driving in Armenia fairly similar. If anything the driving style is a bit less aggressive in my experience. Most of the major roads are in good condition, we only came across a few potholed areas on our latest expedition. I say go for it!

Thank you so much for such details info about your trip. I am planning to visit Armenia in mid- March for a few days. Would love your advice if it is a good time to go. Thank you.

Hi Allie, I think we spoke on Instagram. March is still a little chilly but it’s a nice quiet time to travel. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Hi, I enjoyed reading your posts from Georgia and now here to Armenia. I am curious to know if you did tour around the country on wintertime version. While it might be better to visit the country in Summer to witness the real beauty of it, we set it to celebrate New Year’s (supposedly Christmas as well) holiday by going out of the country and we decided to go in Armenia this time. I want to know if you have any insights that we might possibly make it a memorable one in wintertime? We will be staying for 10 days and our first 3 days, we planned to stay in Tsaghkhadzor to enjoy the snow probably take easy activities that my parents can take part at the same time have fun. The remaining days will be staying in the city and do some tours in some other days.

Hi! I did visit Northern Armenia last year in February – Debed Canyon was very beautiful in the snow. If you get a chance, I would recommend going there too. Yerevan is an all-year city and I’m sure it will be great fun in winter. Enjoy!

Hi. Thank you so much! We will include it on our trip. We are finally here in Armenia and in the hotel in Tsagkhadzor. It’s quite a crazy cold but feels nice. it’s our last day tomorrow but experiencing taking a few days here is great! But we will plan a trip to Debed Canyon when we get to Yerevan. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~

Wonderful to hear! Have an amazing time! Enjoy, and stay warm! Happy holidays.

Hi, I’m planning to stay around 10 days in Armenia, but I’m arriving to and then flying back home from Yerevan. Do you think it makes sense (logistics-wise) to stay in Yerevan the whole trip or is it worth it to spend a night (or few) in some other towns/villages? I saw that most of the sights in Armenia seem to be easily reachable from the capital (maybe except from the south?). I will rely mostly on public transport and would like to visit the main touristic destinations in the country.

Hi M – I think that’s very possible. As you say, most places are within a few hours’ drive of Yerevan so you can visit most major tourist destinations as part of a day trip. I did a day trip to Tatev Monastery in the south and it was great, but a very long drive. If you wanted to spend a night or two outside of Yerevan I would recommend staying there!

Thank you Emily!

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The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the least-visited countries in Europe, Armenia can be viewed as an exotic destination that only the most intrepid of travellers would choose to visit. Because of this, there isn’t a lot of information about this South Caucasus nation available online and it can make planning the perfect Armenia itinerary a difficult task.

Because so many of those who do visit Armenia do it by organised tour, it can be very tricky to find the right information for those who want to visit this underrated country independently. Planning a trip to Armenia is one of the best decisions you could make, especially if you’re combining it with a trip through the other Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Armenia

Despite its relatively southern geographic location, Armenia very much experiences four proper seasons and, therefore, there are some times of year to visit this Caucasian nation that are better than others.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold, with high temperatures between the months of December-February barely clocking in above freezing. Luckily, however, the cold weather doesn’t tend to last too long as it will usually begin to warm up in the month of March and temperatures will fall into the low 20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit) by April.

Because of this, travelling in the springtime is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Armenia. Besides the tendency for a bit more rain, the temperatures will be mild and pleasant with it rarely getting too hot or too cold.

The Autumn seasons between September-November also see similar temperatures to Spring albeit with less rain, making that the absolute optimal time to visit Armenia.

Summers in Armenia are sunny and hot, with daily high temperatures often clocking in over 40 degrees Celcius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Though many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants will be air-conditioned, this becomes less likely the further from big cities or tourist hotspots you venture.

It is also worth noting that public transport (like buses and marshrutkas) rarely are air-conditioned so it can get unbearably hot to travel from point A to B in the summer.

All in all, the best times to visit Armenia would likely be in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

How Many Days in Armenia?

If you’re wondering how many days in Armenia is sufficient to get a good feel for the country but you’re strapped for time, we would recommend spending five days in this southern Caucasian nation. This will give you time to explore the lively capital of Yerevan, take a day trip into the surrounding area, and spend a couple of nights in a smaller city as well.

Spending 5 days in Armenia will allow you to get beyond the capital and experience the culture of this underrated travel destination without being too exhausting or taking too much time.

If you have longer, spending one week in Armenia is ideal to get a really good grasp of the country and a more well-rounded view of the culture and history of this beautiful nation.

With 7 days, you have time not only to explore the capital city, but you can head quite off the beaten path and take in the city of Gyumri and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that Armenia has to offer.

Getting Around Armenia

Armenia isn’t that highly-visited of a country and those who do venture to this underappreciated nation tend to do so on an organised tour, which means that figuring out how to get around independently can be a confusing and albeit daunting task for tourists.

Luckily, locals in Armenia tend to be extremely helpful and eager to lend a hand to confused visitors, so it is likely that you wouldn’t be stranded for too long if you couldn’t figure something out.

If you only plan to visit Yerevan while you explore Armenia, getting around the city is incredibly easy and manageable as the majority of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot and the city centre is compact and easy to navigate. Anything else that is not within walking distance is easy to get to with either the metro or an affordable taxi ride.

Taxi rides are accessible for most travellers in Yerevan and it can actually be the easiest way to get to some more out-of-the-way attractions within the city. It is worth knowing, however, that taxis throughout Armenia (and the Caucasus in general) don’t tend to have meters, so it is essential to negotiate a price before you get in.

Finding a cab through the Yandex taxi app or the Bolt app is a great option. This operates much in the same way as Uber and will quote you the exact price of the journey before you get in the cab, leaving out any need for stressful negotiations.

If you’re travelling outside of the capital — for example, from Yerevan to Dilijan , Gyumri, or Goris — there are a few options available for independent travellers. The easiest and most common option for inter-city travel in Armenia is by marshrutka, or minibus.

Depending on the popularity of your destination, marshrutkas have a vague schedule and generally depart when full or mostly full.

The destination of the bus will be posted in the front window and it will generally be in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet if they are popular routes amongst tourists. If you can’t already, it can be helpful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet or learn what your destinations look like printed both in Cyrillic and in the Armenian alphabet.

You can find the most up-to-date bus timetables from tourist information centres or from your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel staff. Often, you might need to book a spot on the bus if there are only a finite number that leave per day. The tourist info centre or your accommodation can call and book these for you as well.

Generally speaking, you pay the driver for the ride, however, there are some routes where you buy a ticket at a counter instead. Don’t worry, they will let you know for your specific route.

Train travel does exist in Armenia, however, it isn’t all that well-developed and not every route is available. While the trains are not the most comfortable mode of transportation in Armenia, they tend to be more comfortable than a marshrutka and can be preferable if there an option for your route. Ticket prices vary, but they are quite affordable.

Another easy way to get around Armenia, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and not travelling on a tight budget, is to rent a car. Though the road quality may not be the best in some areas of the country, having your own car makes it easy to travel independently and to see some out-of-the-way attractions without having to rely on organised tours or being beholden to erratic bus schedules.

If you want to find great prices on car hire, you can rent private cars directly from locals through Local Rent .

5 to 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Day 1 – yerevan.

Armenia’s dynamic capital city has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,800 years, however, it retains a modern and hip edge that cements itself firmly in the 21st century. With an easy-to-navigate city centre and a streetside cafe culture to rival Paris, Yerevan is one of the most logical places to begin your itinerary for Armenia.

Because it doesn’t have as much information written about as neighbouring capitals like Tbilisi or Baku , many people will ask themselves “is Yerevan worth visiting?” And the answer to this is a resounding “yes,” especially if you are planning a larger Caucasus itinerary and want to see how all three capitals differ.

If you trying to figure out how many days in Yerevan is best to get to know the city, then we would say three. Spend your first day in Yerevan in the city centre, enjoying the main sites and getting the lay of the land.

The current centre of Yerevan was designed in the 1920s by Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian and, as a planned city, it is much easier to navigate than the other two Caucasus capitals, with wide avenues and a logical setup to the streets.

Begin your morning at the impressive Cascade complex , a series of steps spanning seven floors where, from the top on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

If the 572 steps of the complex seem daunting to you, there are a series of escalators inside that you can take to the top instead. These are free to use and are open every day. There are also some interesting art exhibitions inside to enjoy while you’re riding up. No doubt that visiting the Cascade complex is one of the best things to do in Armenia.

After enjoying the Cascade, walk a few hundred metres to see the imposing Armenian Opera building, also designed by Alexander Tamanian. While the building isn’t as impressive as the one you might find in Tbilisi, it is still a great example of Armenian neoclassical architecture.

The building consists of two concert halls: the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre and the Aram Khachaturian concert hall which is home to the Armenian Philharmonic.

You can purchase tickets to the opera, ballet, and symphony from ticket offices nearby for very affordable prices and it is a great way to support the arts and culture of Yerevan. Michael and I were able to get very good seats for the ballet for 6000 AMD (about $14 USD) per person.

Armenia is an incredibly Christian nation and it is an important part of the country’s identity, however, one of the most beautiful sites to see is the Blue Mosque , which isn’t a far walk from the Opera building. This Shia mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city and the courtyard and colourful dome are very much worth seeing.

After admiring the mosque, head to Republic Square , the main square in Yerevan. There is a beautiful fountain situated in front of the Armenian History Museum that, during summer evenings, is lit in different colours. The square is also surrounded by beautiful examples of Armenian neoclassical buildings in Yerevan’s iconic rose-hued stone, making it obvious as to why it is known as the “pink city.”

Now wander over to the Vernissage Market , a large open-air souvenir market that is the perfect place to find something unique to bring home to your friends and family.

Contrary to what you might find in tacky souvenir shops full of mass-produced magnets and pomegranate tchotchkes, here you can get local handicrafts like beautiful chess and backgammon boards, intricate silver jewellery, and much more. You will also be supporting local artisans by keeping traditional practices alive.

Your last stop for your first day in Yerevan should be at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral . Opened in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia (which is believed to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion), this is the largest Armenian Apostolic church in the world and is truly spectacular to see.

Round out your sightseeing at Yerevan’s GUM Market , the central market hall of the Armenian capital. Though it isn’t as lively and chaotic as, say, the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi, Georgia , it is still a great way to see what locals eat and to sample some regionally sourced and produced treats while staying away from multinational supermarket chains.

End your first day in one of the great restaurants, cafes, or wine bars on Saryan Street. In Vino is a good choice if you want to choose from an extensive list of both local and international vintages paired with local meats and cheeses.

If you want something a bit more substantial, Tapastan is a great Armenian fusion restaurant. Alternatively, head over to the Cascade and enjoy some surprisingly delicious Thai food from Wine Republic , which was one of our favourite haunts in Yerevan.

If you want to explore more of the capital’s food scene, consider this food tour of Yerevan .

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Skyline Hotel Yerevan – If you’re looking for a well-located hotel to stay at in Yerevan, then this is a good option for you. This locally-run hotel has a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, is located within walking distance of most of Yerevan’s top attractions, and there is an option to add breakfast to your nightly rate.

Avenue ApartHotel – This aparthotel is an excellent option if you want your own place to stay in Yerevan while still having all of the nice amenities of a hotel. They have a range of both suites and rooms on offer along with plenty of perks to make your stay a great one.

Envoy Hostel – This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Yerevan for backpackers, budget and solo travellers alike. They have a range of dorm beds and private rooms available, helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. They also provide day tours to other areas in Armenia at a discounted rate to their hostel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Day 2 – Yerevan

Your second day in Yerevan may be a bit more sombre and not quite as busy as the first, but will still give you a great insight into the history of the city and Armenia as a whole.

Begin your day by hopping in a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there.

The memorial and museum are free to enter and it is extremely well-curated and an incredibly powerful place to visit. When visiting Armenia, it is important to learn about the darkest part of its history where up to 1.5 million people were murdered.

There is also a garden in front of the museum with a tree planted for each foreign official who has officially recognised the atrocities carried out by the Ottomans in 1915-1923 as a genocide. There is also a plaque honouring the countries and the European Union that have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide.

After visiting the memorial and museum, it is likely you will need a drink and it isn’t an easy place to spend time in. Therefore, take a taxi to Dargett Brewpub , a microbrewery which serves up some fantastic craft beers along with some fantastic western-style bar food.

If you can’t decide which kind of beer to order, we recommend ordering a tasting flight. Our favourites included the American Pale Ale, the Vertigo IPA, and the Belgian Tripel.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers may, instead, be interested in a tour and tasting of Ararat Brandy . This is Armenia’s answer to cognac and it is very delicious.

After a beer and some lunch, head to the History Museum of Armenia at Republic Square. Though, as of May 2019, parts of this museum are under construction, it is still a great place to stop by to learn more about the history of Armenia beyond that genocide.

The museum is famous for being home to the world’s oldest shoe, which was found in a cave in the south of the country called Areni-2, or the “bird’s cave.”

After the history museum, if you’re keen to learn more about Yerevan from a local’s perspective, we recommend going on the Yerevan Free Walking Tour , which meets every day at 4 PM in front of the museum.

The tour is about 3 hours long and advance booking is required, however, it is an excellent way to learn about Yerevan’s history and culture from a friendly and knowledgeable local. There is also this paid walking tour if this schedule suits you better.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on Day 1.

Day 3 – Yerevan

On your third day, it is time to get out of Yerevan and see some of the surrounding area. There are a number of day trip options from Yerevan that are all fairly easy to organise, whether independently or via organised tour.

Two of the most popular day trips from Yerevan include heading to the nearby town of Garni , home to the ancient Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple in the country that’s datesw ot pre-Christian times.

You can also view the bizarre rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones and the beautiful Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers will also love seeing the Garni Gorge.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there via marshrutka. You can also visit these places on this day tour or this day tour .

The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is also an easy-to-do independent day trip from Yerevan. This town is known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and is the home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is a separate church from the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches.

It is also home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest cathedral not just in Armenia, but in the entire world. You can also view the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral here.

Bus 203 from the Central Bus Station will get you there and back with limited expense and hassle. Those who would rather visit with a guide will like this guided day tour .

If you’re keen to explore more of Armenia beyond just the areas near to Yerevan, then the easiest way to do this is by organised tour. Some popular places to visit in Armenia as day trips from Yerevan include the Khor Virap Monastery , the Noravank Monastery , the Hin Areni Winery , or even Tatev Monastery .

We were altogether happy with our full-day tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and the Bird’s Cave. Different tours depart on different days, so make sure to shop around and see what suits your schedule and what you want to see in Armenia if you’re keen to take a tour.

Day 4 – Dilijan

After spending a busy three days in Yerevan, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Armenia itinerary: Dilijan.

Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” Dilijan is located just a 90-minute marshrutka ride from Yerevan, however, it feels like a different world. Dilijan is a great escape from the city and a fantastic place to spend a couple of days enjoying the laid-back mountain atmosphere, going for a few hikes, or taking a trip to some nearby monasteries.

While there aren’t a lot of traditional sites to see or things to do in Dilijan, it is still a great place to visit to see a different side to Armenia and to enjoy the pastoral side of the country. The town itself is delightful, with a lovely lake and plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the town itself and then take the rest of your day to go for a hike in Dilijan National Park. The tourist information centre in the town outlines several hiking trails of varying difficulties where you can really get out and enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia regardless of your general fitness level.

If you’d rather stay in Yerevan but still experience the highlights of the next two days of this itinerary, then this day tour and this guided tour will take you from the capital to both Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Green Dilijan B&B – This family-run guesthouse is an excellent choice for budget travellers. They have a few rooms available, a cosy common area for guests, and a lovely balcony with views of the mountains. It is kept very clean and the extremely friendly and helpful owners also offer an excellent breakfast for an additional charge.

Chalet Dilijan Hotel – This hotel is a great option if your budget accounts for a bit more than a family-run guesthouse. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available for all types of travellers and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

Day 5 – Lake Sevan

Using Dilijan as a base, use the fifth day of your time in Armenia to head to beautiful Lake Sevan. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the entirety of the Eurasian continent and certainly the largest in the region, Lake Sevan is a gorgeous place to visit that is steeped in history.

It’s only a little bit over 30 minutes to reach Sevan town from Dilijan – if you don’t have your own car, you can organise an affordable taxi to reach the area. Your accommodation can often arrange this for you.

One of the highlights of visiting this area is the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery, located on a small peninsula just north of the town. Sevan is also a popular resort area for Armenians to holiday in and there are several beaches along the shore of the lake where you can take a dip in the water.

Another thing you must do is try the famed Sevan trout – an Armenian delicacy. There is a lot of trout fished from the lake and lots of restaurants feature the fish prominently on their menus.

If you’re only spending five days exploring Armenia, then you can easily end your time by heading back to Yerevan and flying out or continuing onward to Tbilisi if you’re interested in exploring neighbouring Georgia.

Day 6 – Dilijan to Gyumri

Your sixth day exploring Armenia is going to be a bit of a travel day as you make your way from Dilijan to Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri.

There are no direct bus connections between these two towns so you have a couple of options. From Dilijan, hop on a marshurtka to the town of Vanadzor or Spitak and catch a connecting mini bus to Gyumri. Alternatively, you can travel south back to Yerevan and then either grab a marshrutka or, our preference, a train to Gyumri.

The train from Yerevan to Gyumri is especially fun for fans of old Soviet transport as they haven’t been updated in decades and can offer quite an insight into the past. The scenery you will pass is also simply delightful as you travel through the Armenian countryside.

Once you arrive in Gyumri, no matter how you’ve arrived, spend your evening simply getting your bearings and exploring a bit of the city centre before finding a great place for dinner.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Lind Hostel & Guesthouse – This family-run guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Gyumri if you’re travelling on a budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available, a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use, and impeccably clean facilities. It is located an easy walk from the city centre and breakfast is available and an affordable additional cost. The owners are also incredibly friendly and ready to help.

Tomu’s Hotel – If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is an excellent option for you. Centrally located, this hotel has a range of rooms available, helpful staff with 24-hour reception, and a restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Gyumri!

Day 7 – Gyumri

In the past, Gyumri has been known as both Alexandropol (when it was part of the Russian Empire) and Leninakan (during Soviet times) and was once the largest city in Armenia — at its peak being home to over 500,000 people. However, the city was absolutely devastated by the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, which killed at least 25,000 people.

More than 30 years later, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation and can seem a bit “rough around the edges,” meaning it isn’t the most popular tourist attraction in Armenia. However, if you want to see how people live in Armenia and venture where few tourists tend to go, Gyumri is an excellent addition to your Armenia itinerary.

Though it is lacking in traditional tourist sites, it is still worth strolling to the Black Fortress , through the Central Park , and enjoying one of the wonderful cafes on Pushkin Street (we recommend Herbs & Honey ).

Depending on if you’re only visiting Armenia or if you’re travelling onwards, you may want to return to Yerevan to fly out of the country. Alternatively, there is a marshrutka that can take you from Gyumri to Tbilisi if you’re heading to Georga or elsewhere in the Caucasus.

Alternatively, if you weren’t able to see some of the sites in the Armenian countryside, you could take this transfer tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi which includes several great stops along the way.

Have More Time?

If you have more than five or seven days in Armenia, there are numerous places that you could add to your itinerary. For one, if you’re keen to spend maybe 10 days in Armenia, it is logical to add the town of Goris and Tatev Monastery to your itinerary.

At Tatev, you can embark on one of the world’s longest cable car journeys and take in some truly gorgeous natural scenery.

You could also opt to spend longer in Yerevan, explore more of the city or go on a couple more day trips or tours from there. If you want to do more hiking in Armenia, then spending longer will allow you to do that as well without sacrificing any of the cultural and historical sites on this itinerary as well.

As an independent traveller, planning a trip to Armenia doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With enough prior research and planning, you are sure to piece together the optimal itinerary for your own travel style!

Are you spending some time in Armenia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Georgia vs Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Which Country to Visit?

How to Get From Yerevan to Dilijan & Things To Do In Dilijan

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Excellent and explained in simple language. Thanks

hi, thank you for this informative piece, im also planning on visiting Georgia, would u happen to have any knowledge of Georgia too tia

Hi Daniel! Yes, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Georgia and have a lot of information written. You can find everything here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-travel-guide/

brilliant thank you very much indeed

Hi Maggie, Nice article written on Armenia… I am on my vacation with my family to Georgia in May. Planning 7 days in Georgia and and 5 days in Armrnia.. Is it possible to cover the nb best of Armenia

Thanks for your comment! Yes, you can definitely see some highlights in Armenia in just 5 days 🙂

Hello Maggie, thanks for this post. I am heading to Armenia and Georgia late September/early October. I already have a plan for Georgia, but for Armenia not so much. In particular, there are 4 free days after spending the weekend in Yerevan that I am not sure how best to plan for. I would like to visit Tatev, so really that limits me to the south. What would you recommend? I’m probably going to stick with public transport, renting a car is a possibility but I’m a bit nervous about that when I’m traveling on my own.

Hey David, thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Tatev and you have 4 days to play around with, then I think it could be worth it to head down to Goris. It isn’t necessary to hire a car as Goris is accessible by public transit, it can just be tricky to find up-to-date information online. I would recommend heading to a tourist info centre or asking your accommodation about transit options if you don’t want to self-drive, often they can call and book you a seat as well. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Thanks Maggie for the swift reply. I was wondering what else you would recommend between Goris and Yerevan , in that 4 day timeframe? What would be realistic, if only using public transport? At the end of the 4th day I’d need to be back in Yerevan, for a tour that takes me through to Georgia that starts the following day (with Envoy Hostel).

Realistically, if you’re relying on only public transport, I would recommend staying one extra day in Yerevan and doing a day tour to some attractions in Southern Armenia (Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, etc) and then taking three days for your Goris/Tatev leg. It can be really hard to visit those attractions independently if you don’t have your own vehicle and it’s also not very easy to break up the journey between Yerevan and Goris.

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Armenia Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 4, 2023

Straddling the divide between Asia and Europe , Armenia might be one of the final travel frontiers left on the planet for adventurous backpackers. Visiting Armenia isn’t often on a traveler’s to-do list, despite its beautiful snowy mountain peaks and many perfectly preserved medieval monasteries.

But their loss is your gain as the country is virtually untouched by mass tourism.

Armenia’s history is complicated and often tragic, marked with countless years of warfare and the infamous Armenian Genocide in which the Ottoman government murdered 1.5 million Armenians in the early 1900s.

Learn more about the country’s past by visiting the many historical monuments and religious structures scattered around the country, including the 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni.

Armenia’s dramatic landscape of jagged mountains and deep, rugged valleys — especially in the Geghama mountain range — is perfect for trekking, biking, and off-roading.

Moreover, Armenians love chatting with visitors. You don’t have to try hard to meet the locals here as they’re going to want to know why you are visiting since so few people do!

This travel guide to Armenia will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Armenia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Armenia

1. See Mount Ararat

This dormant volcano is technically a part of Turkish territory and is believed to be the final resting spot of Noah’s Ark. While you can’t hike the mountain from Armenia, you can certainly admire it up close from the Khor Virap monastery, located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Yerevan!

2. Visit Yerevan

Known as Armenia’s “Pink City” for the rose-colored volcanic material used for much of the city’s buildings, Yerevan is home to wide tree-lined boulevards, busy town squares, and a thriving cafe culture. Try the city’s famous dark coffee; it’s rich, sweet, and packed with caffeine.

3. Go Skiing in Tsaghkadzor

Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Armenia has become a hit with extreme sports lovers. During the winter, Armenia is transformed into a ski and snowboarding haven. Tsaghkadzor ski resort in the Marmarik river valley is the most popular place to go. A day ticket costs 12,000 AMD.

4. Visit Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is easily one of the most scenic destinations to visit in Armenia, boasting wide swatches of forested hills and green meadows home to thousands of plant species. Hike the well-marked trails to springs and monasteries or spend some time at scenic Parz Lake.

5. Visit the Genocide Museum

The Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the genocide that took place in Armenia between 1915-1922 at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Inside is a collection of photographs, documents, newspaper reports, and films curated to tell the story of this tragic event in Armenian history. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Other Things to See and Do in Armenia

1. take the cable car to tatev monastery.

This medieval monastery was built between the 9th-13th centuries and is unique thanks to its position on the edge of a deep gorge. The inside is covered in 10th-century frescoes and vaulted stone ceilings, while the exterior has many pointed domes and is surrounded by tall stone fortress walls that drop off immediately into the gorge below. There are stunning views and photography spots all around the complex as well. The only way to visit the monastery is by taking the cable car across a 5,752-meter cableway (the longest in the world) suspended 320 meters (1,049 feet) above the River Vorotan. The cable car ride takes around 15 minutes, and a round-trip ticket is 5,000 AMD. Tatev is about 3.5 hours from Yerevan.

2. Visit Shikahogh State Reserve

Shikahogh State Reserve is the second largest forest in Armenia and is home to some diverse wildlife including leopards, bears, wild goats, and vipers. There are lush mountain hiking trails (although they are not always well maintained) that lead you to Iron Age tombs, medieval churches and monasteries, waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and even abandoned towns. The 11-kilometer (7-mile) route from Mount Khustup to Shishkert village is tough but incredibly scenic.

3. Swim in Lake Sevan

Also known as the “Armenian Sea,” Lake Sevan is a massive lake (it covers 5% of the country) located high in the Caucasus mountains. Known for its incredible biodiversity and stunningly stark landscapes, Lake Sevan is a popular destination for domestic and foreign travelers alike. Come here to relax in one of the lakeside villages, visit medieval monasteries, and swim in the lake (if it’s warm enough or you’re brave enough!). The lake is so high in altitude (1,900 meters above sea level) that if you sit on the riverbank, it almost looks like the river is running into the sky. You can wild camp here for free as well. Lake Sevan is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Yerevan. The most common way to get here is by marshrutka (minibus), which takes around an hour.

4. See Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is a World Heritage-listed complex named from the lance that pierced Christ’s side at the crucifixion. The buildings are partially carved out of the mountains and surrounded by cliffs along the Azat River Gorge. Inside the 13th-century Avazan Chapel is a sacred spring that runs through the monastery, and the original reason for the founding of the area as a religious site back in the 4th century. Today, visitors fill up bottles to take the holy water home. Admission is free.

5. Visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral

Located only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Yerevan, no visit to Armenia would be complete without seeing the Echmiadzin Cathedral. The cathedral was built following the country’s adoption of Christianity in 301 CE, making it the first country in the world to do so. The cathedral is the oldest in Armenia and is often cited as the oldest cathedral in the world. The cathedral’s museum has some fascinating artifacts, including a supposed piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, and a piece of Noah’s Ark. Admission to the museum is 1,500 AMD.

6. Explore Gyumri

The city of Gyumri is one of Armenia’s most ancient settlements, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Starting from the busy Vardanants Square at the center of town, walk to the Kumayri Historic District, a sort of open-air museum filled with historic buildings like the Sev Ghul fortress and the Paris Hotel (used as a maternity hospital during Soviet times). Be sure to visit the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life (1,000 AMD entry), which showcases life in the area from the 19th century to the 1920s, or the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum (300 AMD entry), with works from two sisters who helped bring equality to Armenian women through their art.

7. Experience the healing waters of Jermuk

With over 40 natural thermal springs, Jermuk is the most popular spa town in Armenia, with a variety of resort hotels and spas (rooms start at 15,000 AMD). Get a free sample of healing mineral water from the Gallery of Water, where natural mineral water flows into 5 different stone urns, each with different healing properties and temperatures (be careful as some are very hot). While you’re there, make sure you venture to the Jermuk waterfall, which, at 70 meters tall (230 feet), is Armenia’s second-largest waterfall. Jermuk is about 3 hours from Yerevan.

8. Visit the Army of Stones

Karahunj, otherwise known as Zorats Karer (or Army of Stones in English), is Armenia’s oldest and most popular megalithic site. Located at an altitude of 1,770 meters (5,800 feet) on a rocky plateau, no one knows how these 200 stones got here. Even stranger is the fact that each stone has 5-centimeter holes in it. There are many different theories on how and why the stones are here, but the most popular theory is that the site was constructed in the 6th century BCE for stargazing.

9. Take a wine tasting tour

With over 500 unique and native varieties almost unknown to the world outside Armenia, taking a wine tour is a must for any wine lover. In fact, the oldest wine cave in the world (it’s 6,000 years old!) is near Areni. Sadly, during Soviet rule, many of the wineries were shut down. It is only in the last decade that Armenia has begun to reconnect with its winemaking roots. Wine tours from Yerevan start from 37,000 AMD for a tour of one winery and go up to around 75,000 AMD for a full-day tour.

10. Go to the Erebuni Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve

This archaeological site encapsulates the ancient Erebuni Fortress, which dates to 782 BCE, a whole three decades before Rome was even established, and after which the city of Yerevan was named. The entire complex is now an outdoor museum, with an indoor component as well. The museum contains more than 12,000 artifacts offering insights into Armenia’s ancient history and the establishment of the city of Yerevan. You’ll also learn about what daily life was like in the palace of Argishti I, one of the greatest kings of ancient Urartu. Admission is 1,000 AMD or 2,500 AMD with a guide.

11. See Noravank

Built in the 13th century, legend has it that when the Mongols conquered Armenia hundreds of years ago, it was God himself that saved the Noravank monastery. Delicately carved stonework and religious reliefs (including depictions of God) decorate the three churches here. Unlike the many other Armenian monasteries that are located on top of mountains and gorges, Noravank is set on the floor of a deep valley, with towering red cliffs rising up on either side of the complex. Visiting the site is free, though the museum is 500 AMD. The monastery is around 122 kilometers (76 miles) from Yerevan.

Armenia Travel Costs

Accommodation – There are a limited number of hostels in Armenia and most of them are in the capital, Yerevan. A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 5,000-7,500 AMD, while a bed in an 8-bed-dorm costs 3,000-4,000 AMD. A private double room in a hostel is around 10,000-15,000 AMD with a shared bathroom. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi and bedding. Free breakfast and shared kitchens are common as well (though not all hostels have them).

Camping is available around the country. For those not traveling with a tent, you can often rent them at the Tourist Information Centers. Wild camping is free, but if you prefer camping on a campsite, prices start at around 4,000 AMD per night for two people and a tent.

Budget hotels average around 8,000-9,850 AMD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and free breakfast is usually included.

Airbnb is available though the options are limited. Private rooms start around 10,000 AMD per night while entire homes/apartments average closer to 25,000 AMD.

Food – Armenia is a landlocked country with a long history of trade, meaning that Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European countries have all left their mark on the country’s cuisine.

Fresh and dried herbs create flavorful dishes, and common spices include black pepper, sumac, cumin, mint, and cinnamon. Staple vegetables include eggplant, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and onion. Legumes, especially chickpeas and lentils, are also used as central ingredients in many dishes. Pork, lamb, and beef are the most common meats. Though meat is predominant in the cuisine, because of the fasting periods in the Armenian Apostolic religion, there are many traditional dishes that are entirely plant-based as well.

Common dishes include a variety of cold salads, yogurt soups, boereg (filled pastry pies), bozbash (lamb stew), khorovats (grilled meat skewers), tolma (stuffed grape leaves), kyufta (a type of meatball), and harissa (a porridge that’s considered Armenia’s national dish). Traditional lavash bread, a flatbread made from wheat and baked in a clay oven, is integral to Armenian cuisine and is served with most meals.

Street food like shawarma or lahmajun (Armenian pizza) costs less than 1,000 AMD, and a glass of tan (a salty yogurt drink) shouldn’t be more than 300 AMD.

For an inexpensive meal at an Armenian restaurant, expect to pay around 1,250-2,750 AMD for traditional food like spa (an extra creamy soup), kyufta (meatballs), or Armenian cheese with basturma (dried meat with spices) wrapped in a piece of Armenian pita bread.

Higher-end or Western restaurants cost about 6,000-8,500 AMD per meal. Even Chinese takeout restaurants, normally a mainstay of the budget traveler, are more expensive than Armenian meals, costing at least 3,800 AMD for a dish.

In terms of drinks, expect to pay 600 AMD for a beer, 700 AMD for a glass of Armenian wine, 1,000-1,500 AMD for a cocktail, 800 AMD for a cup of Armenian coffee, and 1,200 AMD for a cappuccino.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries should cost around 12,000-16,000 AMD but, with food prices being so low, it’s better to eat street food and enjoy the food the country has to offer!

Backpacking Armenia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of about 17,500 AMD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm (or camp), eat street food or at inexpensive restaurants, cook some of your meals, use local transportation (including some intercity buses), limit your drinking, and stick to mostly free or cheap activities like hiking and museum visits.

On a mid-range budget of about 43,000 AMD, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb, eat any budget restaurant meal you want, enjoy a few drinks, take some taxis to get around, take intercity trains, and do more paid activities like ride the cable car to Tatev Monastery and do a winery tour.

On a “luxury” budget of about 77,000 AMD per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might pay less every day). We want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AMD.

Armenia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Armenia isn’t going to break your bank. There are so many free activities here, especially if you’re enjoying the outdoors, that it’s hard to spend a lot. Throw in cheap food, beer, and accommodation, and you can really stretch your budget here. However, if you’re looking to lower your expenses even more, here are some ways to save money in Armenia:

• Take a free walking tour – Yerevan Free Walking Tour is a great way to get familiar with the city and the culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Hitchhike and wild camp – If you really want to save money in Armenia, it is one of the easiest countries in the world to hitchhike. You will likely never wait long. Wild camping is also legal, and it is very common for friendly Armenians to invite you to their home for food so bring a tent when you visit.
• Cook your own meals – Some hostels here don’t include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, make sure you book accommodation that does so you can buy cheap groceries and cook some meals.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can provide free accommodation and share their insider tips with you. It’s the best way to save money and meet locals.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t really safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your reliance on plastic bottles. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw because it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Armenia

There are very few hostels in Armenia, and the few they have are in Yerevan and Tsaghkadzor. My suggested places to stay are:

• Envoy Hostel (Yerevan)
• MGA Hostel and Tours (Yerevan)
• Kantar Hostel (Yerevan)
• Hostel Tsaghkadzor (Tsaghkadzor)

How to Get Around Armenia

Public transportation – Public transportation isn’t the best in Armenia. The public transport websites aren’t translated into English, so it is much better to ask at your hostels for guidance to help you use the local and intercity buses. In the cities, it is easy to walk from place to place.

Yerevan has five trolley bus routes with a ride costing around 50 AMD. There’s also a subway with one line and ten stations, and public buses. A one-way fare on the bus and subway is around 100 AMD.

If you’re flying into Zvartnots International Airport, you can reach the center of Yerevan by bus or taxi. Aerotaxi is the official airport taxi but be aware drivers often won’t turn on the meter, so you need to negotiate a price, which should be around 3,000 AMD. A bus is around 300 AMD.

Bus – Intercity transport in Armenia is best done by bus and minibus (marshrutka). Intercity buses are relatively inexpensive but navigating the bus stations can be tricky as English isn’t widely spoken. Ask in your hostel the day before for someone to help you work out which bus you need and then you will just have to look for that bus when you arrive at the station.

Bus fares average about 716 AMD per hour of travel, but even a short route can end up taking quite a while with lots of stops.

Trains – There are daily trains connecting Yerevan to Gyumri (3 hours), Yeraskh (1.5 hours), Araks (1 hour), Ararat (1 hour), and Hrazdan (1.5 hours). In the summer months, the Hrazdan line gets extended to Lake Sevan. One-way tickets cost between 3,500-12,500 AMD.

Train tickets to nearby cities outside of Armenia, such as Tbilisi, cost around 9,800-12,000 AMD for a one-way ticket. You can purchase tickets online at the official railway website, Railway.am .

The trains that run most regularly are slow trains that are Soviet-era relics, meaning they are uncomfortable and lack the usual amenities you might expect from trains. The express trains, however, are modern and air-conditioned. Unfortunately, these cost more and run less frequently.

Flying – There are only two international airports in Armenia so although air travel is possible, it is far from cost-effective. Often you don’t save much time due to layovers. A flight from Gyumri to Yerevan starts at 95,000 AMD. Only fly if you are short on time and flush with cash.

Car Rental – Driving is definitely the most convenient way to get around Armenia. Car rentals can sometimes be as low as 12,000 AMD per day, and the more days you book, the better the price. If you’re driving, make sure to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in advance as you’ll need one for any vehicle rental.

When to Go to Armenia

The best time to visit Armenia is at the beginning or end of summer (May-June or September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor explorations. The temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F) but be aware that it can be very rainy throughout May and thunderstorms are common.

Summers are hot, with temperatures soaring as high as 35°C (95°F). Things tend to cool down in the evenings, however, with a gentle mountain breeze providing some welcomed relief after a long, hot day.

If you are visiting for skiing, December is the best winter month for hitting the slopes. Temperatures drop below freezing, and the northern regions receive a lot of snowfall. Cities like Yerevan get a lot quieter during these months as everyone hides from the cold.

You don’t have to worry about inflated prices or crowds even during the summer peak season. Armenia isn’t a very touristy destination, and you often have whole sites all to yourself.

How to Stay Safe in Armenia

Armenia is a very safe country to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is rare.

There aren’t any specific scams to look out for either, though sometimes taxi drivers will try to overcharge you. You can avoid this by agreeing on a price before entering the taxi (ask your hotel/hostel staff for a price estimate if you’re not sure what to pay).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Petty theft and pickpocketing are rare but can occur so always keep your valuables (specifically your wallet and phone) secure and out of reach. This is especially important in crowds or on busy public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never accept drinks from strangers, don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There’s often political turmoil with neighbors so keep an eye out on that and avoid protests or demonstrations while in Armenia. Avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region on the border with Azerbaijan due to armed conflict.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Armenia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Armenia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Armenia and continue planning your trip:

19 Easy Ways to Save Money in Armenia

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Caucasus Tours
• Armenia Tours
• Georgia Tours
• Adventure Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Wine & Food Tours

What is The Best Time to Visit Armenia?

Wondering what the best time to visit Armenia is? Well, that depends on your holiday preferences. And before you set your travel dates, let’s embark on a journey together to understand the optimal time to visit Armenia. We’ll uncover the climate, landscape, and holiday opportunities guiding you to find the most magical moments.   I’ll share many insights based on my experience in the travel industry and living in this country my whole life. In the scope of nature, landscapes, and activities, literally, everyone will find what they are seeking for a holiday except the sea. One of the most engaging aspects of Armenia is that you can experience all the seasons. From snowy winters to blooming springs, hot summers, and, colorful,  mild autumns with fantastic weather, the country offers a wide array of experiences to cater to diverse preferences․

Climate Overview

Armenia is a mountainous country with an average height of 1850 m above sea level. Over 47% of the territory of Armenia’s territory consists of mountain ridges towering above  2000 m. Armenia is located in the South Caucasus bordering Georgia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan. The country experiences a highland continental climate in the north and subtropical in the south. Assessing travel safety in Armenia is crucial, especially if you plan to venture beyond the capital, Yerevan, where road conditions and local regulations can differ significantly. The humidity is low with average annual precipitation of 520 ml. This is quite comfortable as you will not encounter endless rains that would leave you confined to a hotel room. With its low level of precipitation and over 300 sunny days, it is a gift for tourists seeking to find the best time to visit Armenia and try different activities in nature. 

Armenia for every season and every type of preference

Winter in armenia:.

Snowy winters in Armenia start with the calendar, in December and last until the end of February. However,  the lofty mountains, reaching over 3000 meters, hold their snowy slopes till mid-May, delighting free-ride skiers. 

The winters in Yerevan are usually dry with temperatures ranging from +5  to -10. On the other hand, the regions located within an hour’s distance from Yerevan can be dreadfully cold dropping up to -20 degrees Celsius with a lot of snow. So if you want to experience snow in Armenia it’s best to check the weather inTsaghkadzor or Aparan, both two ski resorts located nearby. There are two mountain ski resorts in Armenia, Tsaghkadzor and the new Myler resort. 

Let’s explore the possibilities of enjoying winter in Armenia. There are lots of cool winter activities in Armenia, such as cross-country skiing, mountain skiing, free-ride skiing, snowboarding, and snowkiting. High-quality instructors are involved in winter tourism, so you can freely consider Armenia an active winter destination. Now, let’s focus on the winter activities in Yerevan. The winter in Armenia is associated with New Year, a famous public holiday in Armenia celebrated widely as one of the most important family holidays. Starting from 15 December, Yerevan streets are decorated with lights.  The Republic Square hosts a huge Christmas tree ornamented with festive decorations and public concerts are organized almost daily from December 31 to January 13. Christmas bazaars fill the city center spreading the festive atmosphere. You can bye handmade souvenirs, traditional Armenian dry fruits, and herbal teas there. Additionally, some boots sell Armenian traditional snacks and soups. If you are a glint-wine lover you will find it in Yerevan as well. 

Experience snow in Armenia:

The best time to visit Armenia for snow is from December to May, a wide window for diverse snow activities with varying difficulty levels. As mentioned above snowy winters in Armenia begin in December. This period attracts people who have never experienced snow before providing them with the opportunity to marvel at its beauty, experience the texture, and engage in some snowball fights. 

Mountain skiing & snowboarding in Armenia:

Starting in January, ski resorts typically offer a good amount of snow on their tracks for mountain skiing and snowboarding. If you want to experience these winter sports, you can choose between Tsaghkadzor and Myler based on the information provided below:

Tsaghkadzor holds 30 km of slopes, served by 3 ski lifts. The upper lifts are of Soviet origin, while the lower lift is changed. The skiing elevation ranges from 1970 to 2819. Tsakhkadzor offers a well-developed infrastructure with hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants allowing you to stay in the resort and save time on traveling from Yerevan.

Myler , on the other hand, is a newly opened ski resort. It offers a total of 92 km of tracks suitable for all ability levels. There are plans for 16 ski lifts, including a gondola, fast chairlifts, and quad chairs, but currently, only 1 is operational. The resort has plans to have a village of hotels but the construction is ongoing. So if you chose Myler, you will need to stay in Yerevan or another hotel nearby as the on-site accommodation are not available yet.

Freeride and Heli-skiing in Armenia

Freeride skiers are welcome from March to May when Aragats slopes are perfect for skiing. You can enjoy fresh snow and untracked paths, and heli-skiing is available for organized groups. So if you are an experienced freeride skier, March to May is the best time to visit Armenia for you.   

In conclusion, if you are an experienced free-rider, keen mountain skier, or just starting to ski and you are still wondering if Armenia is worth visiting Let me provide you with a simple fact to answer that question In recent years, The Alps have been using artificial snow due to climate changes, while snow in Armenia is entirely natural and excellent for skiing.  

Spring in Armenia:

All the seasons in Armenia have their unique beauty making each the best time to visit. So let’s explore the wonders of spring. t. Although March greets us with occasional rain and frost, the temperature gradually rises to a pleasant +10 to +15 degrees Celius. Yerevan, despite light snowfall, remains cozy and vibrant.  In April,  and especially in May, you can expect higher and more pleasant temperatures reaching up to +30. The sight of trees blooming in a mesmerizing array of colors is mindblowing. So for those who cherish nature’s beauty, spring is the best time to visit Armenia. 

Botanic tours in Armenia:

Spring is the perfect time for botanic tours in Armenia. The country boasts an impressive diversity of almost 3,200 plant species, with approximately 126 being endemics that grow exclusively in specific regions. Among these, you’ll find notable examples including the Armenian rowan, Susanklein’s hawthorn, Tamamshyan’s salsola, and more. Some of them are included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Armenia. Many botanic tour lovers visit Armenia from May to June. 

Bird watching tours in Armenia:

Armenia lies across birds’ migration path, and in addition to that, the country is home to its own endemic and unique species. Around 350 species of birds are recorded in Armenia with 240 of them breeding in the country. May and June are the best time to travel to Armenia for bird watching.

Yerevan wine days:

For wine enthusiasts, Yerevan wine days is a must-attend event celebrating Armenia’s rich winemaking traditions stretching back over 6 000 years to the Areni-1 cave complex . installations and artifacts of wine production dating back to around 4000 BC are revealed there. Today, Armenian wineries continuously improve producing exceptional wines worthy of tasting. Armenia hosts 2 main wine festivals: Yerevan Wine Days in May-June and Areni wine fest in October in Areni village. Yerevan Wine Days feature a couple of closed streets with winemakers and many restaurants showcasing their booths. An entrance ticket(30 euros) includes a fabric pocket h, a wine glass, and coupons to taste different wines. The festival spreads a lively atmosphere with popular Armenian musicians performing and international sommeliers conducting engaging master classes.

Easter in Armenia or Surb Zatik:

Easter date is changeable every year, as in all churches. It usually falls between the end of March to mid-April. All churches serve Saturday evening liturgy, followed by Sunday Holly Mass to celebrate The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a family holiday traditional meals play a significant role. A rice sweet pilaf with dry fruits, raisins, and traditional Armenian thin bread lavash is served Additionally,  fish, red-colored boiled eggs, and lots of fresh and baked local greens are accompanied by red wine symbolizing Jesus’s blood. 

Summer in Armenia:

Summer is the hottest season in Armenia with temperatures in Yerevan ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius in the daytime, while evenings are breezy and pleasant. It’s a relaxing time with young families strolling in parks and squares till midnight. Bars, pubs, open-air cafes, and vibrant jazz clubs are full of people enjoying their evenings. Armenia is home to sweet juicy fruits and tasty vegetables due to its quantity of sunny days. Summer is the best time to visit Armenia to taste delicious apricots or attend the Armenian film festival Golden Apricot, held in July during the apricot season. 

Yerevan Music Night

Yerevan Music Night , celebrated every year, is an open-air concert featuring renowned  Armenian musicians.  special international guest, whose name is kept a secret to surprise guests. Lots of bars set up their booths offering a variety of cocktails and other beverages. If you love enjoying open-air concerts with your favorite drink, welcome to Armenia in the summer! 

Vardavar is a religious holiday celebrated in July (14 weeks after Holy Easter). Sunday Mass is served in all churches of the country to commemorate the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. People of all ages participate in a fun tradition of playfully soaking each other in water. Everyone walking in the street can be involved in this feast and be watered from head to toe. If you’ve experienced the exhilaration of the Tomatina festival in Spain and loved it, then Vardavar in Armenia will surely captivate you, making the day of its celebration the best time to visit Armenia for you.

Activities outside of the city:

Summer offers a fantastic opportunity for hiking and camping in Armenia’s  3000+ mountains, where the snow typically melts in mid-July. You can enjoy the serene mountains with breathtakingly beautiful views, lakes, and forests by motorbike, mountain bike, 4WD car, or on foot. For an exhilarating experience, consider paragliding in Armenia, where you can fly tandem with an instructor and revel in the bird’s-eye view of nature’s beauty.

Water activities:

In recent years, many water activities have been introduced in Armenia. Lake Sevan, situated at an altitude of 1900 m above the sea, is the biggest lake in Armenia. If you are comfortable swimming in water with temperatures ranging from  18-21 degrees Celsius Lake Sevan will be the perfect destination for you, but make sure you have a good sun cream with 50+ SPF. Kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding, diving, windsurfing, and motorboat riding are offered at the lake. River rafting is organized in the Lori region, you can find it in Armenia too, it is organized in the Lori region specifically on the river of Debed. So if you are an adventure lover the best time to visit Armenia is summer, as the range of water activities ensures you will never get bored here.

Autumn in Armenia:

When discussing the Armenian language, undoubtedly, Armenian dialects are the most essential part of Armenian culture.  There are several dialects in the Armenian language, that vary across different regions. But the two main dialects are Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. In the Republic of Armenia, the official language is Eastern Armenian. While the Armenian diaspora mostly uses Western Armenian. So, for some foreigners, there are some letters they find hard to pronounce, and the most common phrase that foreigners want to know is how to say thank you in Armenian . “Thank You” in Armenian will be «Շնորհակալություն» (Shnorhakalutyun), and as it has complicated pronunciation, it can be challenging. In everyday life, Armenians mostly use the phrase “Mersi” and “Apres” The word “Mersi” comes from the French language. And the word «Ապրես» (Apres) means “live long”  Like the term “Dear” in English, Armenians are also fond of adding pleasant words and phrases while referring to someone. The term «ցավդ տանեմ» (cavd tanem) means “May I take your pain with me” This phrase highlights the warmth, compassion, and emotional connection that Armenians often express toward others. 

Public Holidays and festivals in Armenia in autumn.

On September 21st,   Armenia celebrates Independence Day with many concerts organized in Yerevan.  the main one takes place in Republic Square followed by a breathtaking firework. The first weekend of October marks Yerevan’s birthday with concerts, fireworks, and the Air Baloon festival. Dozens of Air Balloons fly over the city and it is possible to get a ride in one of them. 

Areni Wine Festival is held annually in Areni village making it a much-anticipated event for wine lovers The name “Areni” comes from the local endemic grape, after which village and lots of wines are named. All wineries participate in the festival with their booths, while locals from Areni and nearby villages showcase their homemade wines, dry fruits, cheeses, and different meals.  Attendances can participate in the Armenian national dance classes, listen to music, chat with locals, savor wines, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. 

In conclusion

Armenia is a country that experiences all four seasons. It offers numerous adventures to travelers, beautiful nature, tasty cuisine, cheerful festivals, an authentic atmosphere, and international-class cultural events. A very important thing that has never been mentioned above is Armenian hospitality. You will always find open and friendly people, eager to help in some way: answer any questions, show directions to the place you want to reach. It can be added that spontaneous invitations to homes, serving a table of coffee, sweets, or whatever people have at a particular moment, especially in rural areas are getting the most memorable experience for travelers. Hence,  depending on preferences, you can find the best time to travel to Armenia , knowing you will be treated like the closest friend and feel at home. Check our tours to discover experiences close to you. 

Small group tours to Caucasus

Azerbaijan Georgia Armenia Tour 20 days

Georgia Authentic Tour 10 days

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Georgia and Armenia Tour 19 days

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Hiking Tour To Armenia

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Armenia Wine & Food Adventure

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Elen pahlevanyan.

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Visiting Armenia For The First Time: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are considering visiting Armenia for the first time, I hope that this comprehensive guide will provide a well-rounded perspective from someone who has actually visited Armenia in 2023.  

Nestled in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia , Armenia is a land of rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this small yet vibrant country offers a unique blend of cultural influences, making it an intriguing travel destination. 

From the rugged beauty of its mountains and valleys to the ancient monasteries and churches dotting its terrain, Armenia presents a canvas of historical and natural wonders . 

What drew me to visit Armenia was not just its historical significance as one of the world’s oldest civilisations but also its reputation for warm hospitality, exquisite cuisine, and the allure of exploring a lesser-known gem on the world travel map. 

This journey into the heart of the Caucasus promised a blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and a chance to witness a nation that has resiliently preserved its rich heritage and traditions.

Visa Requirements for Armenia

Here’s a map of the different countries and their visa requirement to enter Armenia. 

It’s important that you check your specific country’s diplomatic relationships with Armenia before planning your trip to Armenia. 

In my case, I am from Romania , a member of the EU. EU countries don’t require a visa to travel to Armenia. 

As you will arrive at the airport, there will be a Visa desk just before the customs office. Again, some countries might need to stop by the visa office on arrival. But for me, that wasn’t the case. I simply walked up to the passport control customs office and got my stamp on the passport. 

Since my readers are from all over the world, I can’t provide instructions for all of you. But this is what you can do. 

The easiest way to verify if you need a visa is to go on the website of your government’s Foreign Affairs Ministery and check the page on “Travel to Armenia”. It should be clearly stated if you need a visa or if you don’t. In case you need a visa, instructions on how to get one should be provided. 

Best time to visit Armenia

I visited Armenia in mid-October, and the weather was great for exploring and walking around. I even wore my sandals during the day when it was up to 25 Celcius. But note that the temperatures might vary each year. 

As with most European countries, the best time to visit Armenia is during shoulder seasons. That is spring (March-May, even June) and fall (September-October, November might get a bit chilly). 

The huge advantage when visiting in fall or spring is that you get fewer crowds in tourist places, and the weather is milder. This makes it perfect for you to enjoy your destination. 

 A rundown of the best seasons to visit Armenia, taking into account weather, local events, and tourist crowds.

How to get to Armenia

My initial plan was to drive all the way from Romania to Armenia. Because of my personal schedule, that didn’t happen this time, and I chose to catch a flight to get to Armenia. So, the two main options to get to Armenia are:

• By land from Georgia, using the Guguti BCP and Bagratashen – Sadakhlo Border Crossing (this is the recommended crossing). By air. I flew from Athens with Aegean Airlines. 
• By land from Iran.
• Do note that there are no land borders with Turkey or Azerbaijan. 

This land route Georgia – Armenia is popular for many tourists travelling between the two countries. You can even rent a car to pick up from one location and drop off in the other (for a $175 flat fee on top of the rental cost in 2023). 

Most people use the bus to cross the border; there are multiple companies offering such trips.

While you can find some companies online to book tickets, the easiest way is to show up at the central bus station in Tbilisi or Yerevan at 8 AM and ask for a bus to your destination.

As of October 2023, tickets were about $25, but it depended on the bus. Convert that into the local currency (AMD for Armenia and GEL for Georgia and have it cash on you). You pay directly to the driver. 

The last option, and the most comfortable, is to hire a private driver. This is what I did to get from Yerevan, Armenia, to Tbilisi, Georgia. I can assume you can do this the other way around. Note that there will be a lot of tour guides offering this service, and you can negotiate. I can only speak for prices from Armenia, but Georgia shouldn’t be much more expensive. In my case, I ended up paying $100 (and a $10 tip), and we were two people, so it was manageable. 

But the prices for a private car and driver generally start at about $175 for the Yerevan – Tbilisi route. It depends on the car, the availability of the driver and probably the time of the year. If it’s in full tourist season, prices are higher, as there is more demand. Check rental prices on RentalCars .

In October, there was not a lot of demand. Also, our driver stopped a few times along the way to show us some touristic places (Lake Sevan and Sevanavank church and a bit of Dilijan town).

Usually, these places are included on day trips from Yerevan and do not cost much. But it was a nice addition to the trip. Overall, the trip from Yerevan to Tbilisi took about 5 hours with a private car. It would take longer with a minibus since the car is bigger, and the border crossing could take longer because you have to wait for all the passengers. 

Roads in Armenia are generally good, but a lot of drivers seem to be in a hurry. It’s nothing too bad, but it’s the local way of driving, which might seem a bit dangerous to Westerners. 

Here is the driver’s phone number (message him on WhatsApp; his English is limited, but he is a great person): +37477054507 and +374700045. All drivers will communicate on WhatsApp and even send voice notes. On our driver’s card, it says, “Tours all over Armenia and Georgia”.

Taxies in Armenia

Bold and Uber don’t work in Armenia. Instead, they use Yangoo Go and GG apps. Unfortunately, I couldn’t register on either of these apps without an Armenian phone number. 

A lot of flights arrive in Yerevan, Armenia, during the night.

As of October 2023, there was no public transport available. The only option was to get cash from the ATMs in the airport and negotiate with the taxi drivers who were roaming around all over the arrival hall. 

The first driver who approached me asked for 20,000 AMD ($50) to take me and my boyfriend from the airport to the centre of Yerevan. 

I instantly replied, “That’s too much, thanks!” to which another driver asked me how much I wanted to pay. I tried to explain that I didn’t know the prices, so why didn’t they use the meter? 

He kept on insisting, asking, “How much?” Finally, I said, “6,000 AMD” ($15), and he said, “Ok.” He then called another driver, who showed up in front of the airport’s entrance in no more than 2 minutes, and we got dropped off in front of our hotel. Looking back, even 5,000 AMD would have been fine, but you must take into account that it was at about 3 AM, and all you want to do is go to sleep at that hour. 

I have explained all of this to let you know how things work and what to expect. In the end, we were all good, and the service was ok, although the car itself was a bit old. 

Accommodation in Yerevan

I used Booking.com to find a hotel in Yerevan. There are plenty of options on all price ranges. 

I recommend choosing a hotel closer to the centre. The central part is walkable, and from there, you won’t need to take any kind of transportation. Also, most things you will want to visit in Yerevan are located in the central part, close to the Republic Square. 

I stayed at Tigran Mets Hotel, which is super close to Republic Square, has decent conditions, and has friendly and helpful staff. I would say this is a budget option, but the location is great for the price. Also, I booked an apartment but got a triple room. Not everything is what it seems, but the hotel was ok for 3 nights. 

Other hotel options in Yerevan 

***   – Grand Hotel Yerevan , Golden Palace Hotel Yerevan , Hotel National

**   – Hotel Tigran Mets (I stayed here; it’s an ok budget accommodation really close to the centre of Yerevan), Nova Hotel Yerevan

*    – Old Yerevan Hotel , Capsula hotel

Must-Visit Attractions in Yerevan

• Republic Square. Known as the heart of Yerevan, this central square is famous for its stunning architecture and the Dancing Fountains, which are especially enchanting at night.
• Cascade Complex. A massive staircase with beautiful fountains and sculptures, that offers an incredible view of the city and Mount Ararat from the top.
• Matenadaran. A unique repository of ancient manuscripts, it houses an extensive collection of medieval Armenian and foreign manuscripts, making it one of the richest depositories of manuscripts and books in the world.
• Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. This solemn and powerful memorial and museum are dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, offering a profound historical insight.
• Opera Theater. Officially named the Armenian National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, it’s a landmark for classical music and architecture enthusiasts.
• Vernissage Market. A bustling open-air market full of Armenian art and crafts, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and local artwork.
• Erebuni Fortress. An ancient Urartian fortified city, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Yerevan, dating back to the 8th century BC.
• Blue Mosque. The only active mosque in Armenia, known for its stunning blue tilework, reflects the Persian influence in the region.
• Victory Park and Mother Armenia Statue. A large park featuring the monumental Mother Armenia statue, symbolising peace through strength, and offering panoramic views of Yerevan.
• Kond. A historic district, one of the oldest parts of Yerevan, known for its narrow winding streets and traditional architecture, offering a glimpse into the old-world charm of the city.
• Ararat brandy factory tour. I did the “Advanced package” tour, which includes a tour of the museum with an English-speaking guide and a taste of 3 different brandies at the end. The tour was 10,000 AMD (25 USD) and lasted 1 hour. 

Local Cuisine

What to eat in Armenia?

Armenian cuisine is a delightful experience, characterized by its unique flavours and diverse dishes. Here’s a list of must-try foods when in Armenia:

• Lavash: A traditional thin, soft flatbread. It’s a staple in Armenian meals and is often used as a wrap for kebabs and other dishes.
• Dolma: Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mix of minced meats, rice, herbs, and spices. It’s a classic Armenian dish with a rich, savoury flavour.
• Khorovats: Armenian-style barbecue, typically made with marinated pork, lamb, or chicken. It’s a social food, often cooked outdoors over an open flame.
• Ghapama: A stuffed pumpkin dish, traditionally prepared by filling the pumpkin with cooked rice, dried fruits, nuts, and honey, then baking it until tender.
• Harissa: A comforting porridge made from korkot (dried or roasted cracked wheat) and meat, usually chicken or lamb. It’s a hearty and warming dish.
• Basturma: Cured beef with a coating of garlic paste and a unique spice blend called chaman. It’s often sliced thin and served as part of a mezze platter.
• Manti: Small dumplings filled with spiced meat (usually lamb or beef), often topped with garlic yogurt and sumac. They are typically steamed or baked.
• Gata: A sweet pastry, which comes in various shapes and sizes, often filled with a sugary, buttery filling known as khoriz.
• Zhingyalov hats: A flatbread stuffed with a mix of finely chopped herbs and green vegetables. It’s a specialty of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
• Spas: A yogurt-based soup, often made with barley or wheat and seasoned with herbs. It’s similar to the Russian okroshka or the Middle Eastern laban.

These dishes offer a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Armenia, reflecting the country’s history and the various cultural influences it has absorbed over the centuries. Each dish tells a story of the land and its people, making them an integral part of the Armenian experience.

What to eat in Armenia if you are a vegetarian ? 

I do not eat meat but trust me that you will find plenty of vegetarian options in Armenian cuisine . Also, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that some of the Armenian dishes are inspired by Turkish cuisine, which I absolutely adore. 

Safety Tips in Armenia

Armenia is a very safe country, even for solo female travellers. From my personal experience, locals are very friendly and always eager to help. Some may even offer small gifts, such as food or sweets. 

Walking on the streets of Yerevan felt extremely safe, even late in the evenings. As always, be aware of your surroundings, and watch your pockets. But from my experience, I never felt any danger at all, not even pickpockets or people watching me because I was a foreigner. I can say that Armenia is one of the safest countries in Europe . 

However, if you have any emergency, you can call the following emergency services:

• Firefighters 101 
• Police 102 
• Ambulance 103

Armenia is a very budget-friendly country. I would recommend planning a trip to Armenia if you want to travel on a budget and stretch your Euros or dollars for longer. 

I visited Armenia in October 2023, and here are some prices:

• Hotel – about 45 USD per night (centre hotel)
• Meal – 25 USD per person in a high-end restaurant
• Attractions – 5-25 USD, depending on the attraction

For day trips, you can either join a tour or book a private driver to take you around. The prices for tours are pre-set, but you can negotiate the price for private tours. 

Packing List for Armenia

It depends on your planned activities. In general, the weather is fairly similar to what you would experience in Central European countries, so pack according to the season. 

However, note that most tourist activities in Armenia are outdoors. So, if you plan on doing any hikes or road trips, pack accordingly. The weather is generally mild, but it can get chilly in the mountains, 

Should you visit Armenia?

Absolutely, Armenia is a must-visit country in Europe. 

I love the local culture, the hospitality of locals and the diversity of activities in Armenia. You can easily spend one week in Armenia, and you won’t get bored. If you’re into nature, culture and history, Armenia should be on your travel bucket list.

Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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What time of year is the best to visit Armenia?

The climate in Armenia is highland continental, with hot, dry, sunny summers and cold winters on the plains. The land rises to 4,090 m above sea level at Mount Aragats, and no point is below 390 m above sea level. The terrain is mostly mountainous, with fast flowing rivers, and few forests. Many say that it doesn’t matter which season you visit in, as every season has its different aroma, essence, and beauty. You can visit Armenia in any season and enjoy the artistry that covers this wonderful country. You can read about all the seasons as follows and decide what season suits you the best to plan your trip!

Winters in Armenia

Winters in Armenia are cold with short days and long nights. Winter begins from Mid-November or December with not a lot of snow and mild temperature. From early December you can feel the holiday spirits in the air. You can see the festive lights and Christmas trees in every corner. Dress Warm and visit Northern Avenue for a festive rush. On New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy concerts and fireworks near the Opera or ballet theater or downtown. It starts snowing more often in January which covers the country with a blanket of snow. One of the most important Christian festivals, Christmas is celebrated on 6th January in Armenia. In February the temperature starts rising a little but it remains unsteady.

You can usually enjoy skiing or ice skating during these months. Tsaghkadzor is the most visited destination during the winters to enjoy winter sports. In the most visited touristic city is a real heaven for those who like winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The most famous ski resort is located above the town, at a height of 1750 meters above sea level. There is also ropeway which lifts up the top of the Mount Teghenis. Initially, there were 3 lifts stretching from the mountains foot (1969 meters) till the peak (2819 meters high).In 2006 was added the 4th lift, stretching from the end of the first stage towards an opposite hilltop.

Springtime in Armenia

In Armenia Spring begins with the sweet smell of snowdrop and violet. Springtime covers the city with green trees and colorful flowers all around. Spring is referred to as a season of love and beauty. March 8 marks International Women’s Day which is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the country. Spring begins in March with Sunny afternoons but cold evenings. The average temperature remains between 7 -10 C in the capital Yerevan , sometimes more.

Spring season is usually short and unsteady which lasts until mid-April. The country is blooming during this time of the year. Months of March and April also bring a lot of raining days along with the sweet spring. The temperature in May rises to 20 degrees Celsius. This is a month, that you don’t want to go home because this kind of warm temperature and weather has only May. The people are full of life while souls smile. You can wander along the streets for long hours. Do remember, that the weather in Armenia varies from region to region.

Summer in Armenia

If you like the hot weather Summer is the best time to visit Armenia and have an unforgettable journey. Summertime offers a series of different adventures, you can enjoy hiking , trekking, climbing , paragliding , the longest Zipline , beach holidays, tours and much more. Summer starts in June and remains until early September. In June the country is warm and sunny with an average temperature of 23-26 C. In July, the temperature rises and it becomes really hot. During this time, the locals like to escape the heat of the capital and visit the countryside and enjoy nature. You can visit a lot of places including Lake Sevan , Dilijan, Garni , Geghard , Tatev , Jermuk . The best sanatoriums to relax can be found in Jermuk.

If you are in Armenia during this time don’t forget to eat or try the variety of fresh and juicy fruits that this country offers. There are several types of fruits that are considered a real living symbol of the country. The best of them are apricots, pomegranates, and grapes. You can also find all sorts of berries and melons. Armenians celebrate Vardavar (festival of water) in July or late June to get cooled down from the heat. Vardavar is associated with the goddess Astghik, who was the goddess of water, beauty, love, and Fertility. It is common to see people pouring buckets of water from balconies on unsuspecting people walking below them, so be prepared to get wet. It is also a means of refreshment on the usually hot and dry summer days of July or late June. This year it will be celebrated on July 8. August is usually the hottest month but the mountain winds blow in the summer which makes the evenings cooler.

Autumn in Armenia

Autumn paints the city in many different shades. As the winds blow and leave change colors to bright orange, the heat gradually reduces and makes perfect weather which is neither hot nor cold. October marks the beginning of Autumn. The average temperature remains 19-22 C. In this season, you can enjoy Armenian grapes and the Armenian wine which will leave you speechless. You can be a part of the Wine Festival on 2-3 October held in Village Areni. You can taste and buy wines from the best winemakers and enjoy the dances of Armenia there. Mid-October becomes colder and cloudy with little rain.

Published February 20, 2018 Article by Aqsa Khan

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The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide // An Essential Break Down

 In an era where a single Google search will pull up thousands of blog posts and magazine worthy photos for any given destination, I was surprised at how few Armenia travel tips and guides I could find online. This posed a unique situation where we actually had to jump in feet first and really explore for ourselves. We divided the country in thirds, rented a car, and just drove. Of course, there was some trial and error, but this was one of the most exciting trips I’ve taken in a while.

In this complete Armenia travel guide, pick up some of the helpful tips we learned along our journey, discover the best time to visit, get an idea of how much things cost, what foods you have to try, plus much more.

BASIC ARMENIA TRAVEL INFORMATION

The ideal time for Armenia travel is late May to early June, or late September to early October.

RAINFALL November is the wettest month. March and April historically have a good amount of rain but the weather was beautiful (with no rain) when we were there in late March. HOTTEST/COLDEST MONTHS The hottest months are July and August, with highs in the 90’sF (around 35C). The coldest months are December to February, with highs in January topping 2F ( 35C) and lows dipping down to 19F (-7C). DAYLIGHT HOURS June and July have the longest amount daylight (around 13 hours), with December through February offering up only 7 hours of daylight each day.

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Armenia will depend on your passport.

• All European Union citizens as well as citizens of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom do not need a visa prior to arrival.
• Canadian citizens do require a visa but can obtain it upon arrival for 15,000AMD ($30CAD).
• Citizens of Africa (except South Africa) cannot obtain a visa upon arrival . They can only apply at an Armenian diplomatic or consular post, and only with an invitation.

To view the visa requirements for all countries, click here. 

CURRENCY Armenia operates on the Armenian Dram. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city and ATMs are relatively easy to find.

$1 USD = 487AMD $1 AUD = 367AMD $1 CAD = 381AMD £1 = 580AMD €1 = 658 AMD For current exchange rates, or if your country is not listed above click here.

RESTAURANTS  I had a difficult time finding an accurate Armenia travel guide regarding tipping. From what I understand, tipping is common in Yerevan restaurants. My Armenian friend Val (who I’m so grateful to for all of her tips) says that there is no minimum and no expectation, however it’s “greatly appreciated regardless of the percentage.” So anywhere from 5% (on small bills) to 10-20% for restaurants with great service. TAXIS  When taking a taxi, you can round up on the fare. HOTELS  Nick was in Armenia for business so we were lucky to get the opportunity to stay at the Multi Grand Hotel. When ordering room service, we attempted to tip several times and our efforts were denied.

ELECTRICITY

220V / 50 Hz

POWER SOCKETS

The most comment power socket in Armenia is Type C – Non Grounded. You might also run into Type F – Grounded. (We brought only a Type C converter and had no issues).

WiFi is readily available (fast and free!) in Yerevan, and you’ll find it in every restaurant, hotel and coffee shop. Outside of the city, WiFi is a little harder to come by, but we didn’t have a problem finding some when we really needed it.

WHAT THINGS COST

One of the best things about Armenia is how inexpensive it is. Typically, things will cost more in Yerevan and much less in the rest of the country. During our road trip to the North, we stopped by a market to pick up some snacks. We bought homemade bread bigger than both of our faces combined, 2 beers, 2 baklava desserts and some sheep’s cheese for a grand total of less than $6 USD. Here are some approximate Armenia travel expenses to give you an idea of how to budget your trip.

FOOD Inexpensive meal: 1,500 to 3,000AMD ($3-6USD) Dinner for 2 (appetizers, meals + drinks): 10,000-15,000AMD ($20-30)

HOTELS  Hostels 4,800-9,700AMD ($10-20USD) Mid-Range 25,000-60,000 ($50-$120USD) Luxury: 85,000-150,000AMD ($175-300 USD)

DRINKS Cappuccino 600-1,400AMD ($1.20-2.75USD) Domestic Beer -Restaurant: 1,058AMD ($2) Domestic Beer – Grocery Store: 380AMD ($0.76USD) Wine – Restaurant: 700-800AMD ($1.5-$2USD) Bottle of Wine – Grocery Store: 1450AMD ($3USD) Cocktails: 2,432 ($5USD)

TRANSPORTATION Taxis meters start at 600AMD ($1.20USD) and cost 160.93 per mile ($0.33USD). Bus Tickets are 100AMD ($0.20USD)

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

Armenia’s food won me over.. big time. Just about every traditional restaurant has a massive menu with tons of options, so it can get a little overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the cuisine. Here is a list of some of the most popular and traditional Armenian dishes that you have to try.

BASTURMA is a highly seasoned, air-dried cured beef, and it’s a common appetizer in Armenia. We were served basturma as part of the cold plate during several of our breakfasts. My friend Val recommends trying it in an omelet. KHOROVADZ  is Armenian barbecue, and it’s one of the most typical foods you’ll find in Armenia. Pork is the most common meat, but you can also order chicken, lamb, beef and fish BBQ. If you don’t eat meat, there are tons of vegetable barbecue options. I fell in love with the the mushroom BBQ and ordered it at every meal. DOLMA  is a traditional Armenian dish made of grape leaves, ground beef, rice, plus herbs and spices.  Dolma can also be ordered without meat.

BUREG (also known as Borek or Borag) is a staple in Armenian food. It’s a baked pastry made with thin flakey dough and filled with cheese. LAVASH is a thin unleavened flatbread.. and you cannot leave Armenia without trying it. Not to worry though because if you forget to order it, the waiter will always remind you. At Lavash and Sherep restaurants in Yerevan, you can watch the lavash making process which only adds to the level of appreciation you will have for it once it hits your table. BRANDY (COGNAC) Armenian Brandy is considered to be some of the best in the world and for a short period of time, they were even allowed the prestigious honor of calling their product “cognac.” Armenian brandy was most famously known as the drink of choice for Winston Churchill and they boast gold medals in spirits competitions around the world.

RELATED POST : THE BEST YEREVAN RESTAURANTS // WHERE TO EAT IN ARMENIA’S CAPITAL

10 ARMENIA TRAVEL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION

ASK TAXIS TO USE THEIR METER  During our time in Yerevan, the only taxi drivers who voluntarily turned on their meter without us having to ask were the ones who were called by our hotel. If the meter does not get not turned on, the driver will quote you his own price at the end of the ride. A few times we forgot to ask about the meter, and the fare was triple what it normally was. We didn’t argue about it as it was only a few dollars difference, but I still hate getting up-charged for being a tourist.

TAXI DRIVERS  Speaking of taxi drivers.. very few spoke English. I recommend having the name of your destination written in Armenian so that they understand where you want to go (you can ask your hotel to help you). When we wanted to go to the Ararat Brandy Factory, our driver thought we asked him to take us to Mt. Ararat… in Turkey. Another time, on the the way back to our hotel, we had to pull up our Google Maps and navigate for him using hand signals. Luckily, they were all very sweet and willing to work with our lack of knowledge about the local language.

PAY ATTENTION TO SPEED LIMITS  If you will be renting a car in Armenia, make sure to follow the speed limits! There are speed camera everywhere and we not only got pulled over, but we saw dozens of others fall prey to the cameras each day.

• In towns, villages and cities– 60 km/h
• Outside of towns, villages and cities – 90 km/h
• On highways– 110 km/h
• Residential areas – 20 km/h

For a huge list of tips about driving in Armenia, including what to expect if you get pulled over, check out my post below:

RELATED POST: ARMENIAN TRAVEL TIPS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RENTING A CAR 

CREDIT CARDS  In the US, our credit cards don’t usually have pin codes. Apparently this is not the norm and we inadvertently caused extreme confusion when we didn’t have a pin to enter during credit card purchases. A few people assured us that they wouldn’t steal our money ( they must’ve though that didn’t want to give them the code for security reasons haha). To their surprise, the sale did eventually go through, but it took about 30 seconds.

FREE PHONE CHARGING IN YEREVAN  If you find yourself running out of phone battery in Yerevan, head towards the Cascade Complex. There’s an open air bus/tourist information center parked out front with free phone charing.

CHECK OUT THE GROCERY STORE Walking through foreign grocery stores is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, and it was even more fun in Armenia because everything is cheap. While beer in your hotel mini bar might seem inexpensive ($2-3USD), you can find it in the grocery store for less than $1USD! Also stock up on fresh bread, homemade cheese and Armenian snacks.

HOW TO TIP Unlike in the US, you tip when paying your bill. If you are paying by card,  let the server know how much extra to add to the bill. If you’re paying with cash, hand the tip over with your total.

SAFETY & SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL  Armenia is extremely safe and I would definitely feel comfortable returning here as a solo (female) traveler. They have a very low crime rate even in their biggest city, Yerevan.

If you don’t know anything about Armenia, you might look at where it’s located on a map, and group it in with high-risk countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Armenia is rated “low-risk” on the Global Terrorism Index  at #75 (for reference, the US sits much higher at #32). Also, the United States Government rates Armenia as “Level 1” – the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.

Even though Armenia is safe, it’s advised to stay clear of the Azerbaijan border as relations between the two countries remains hostile. And as with any place you travel, always stay conscious of your surroundings.

TALK TO THE PEOPLE  I’ve never been looked at as strangely as I have in Armenia. We would drive through these tiny towns on our road trip throughout the country and people would not drop their gaze. At first I was a little uncomfortable but then I realized, they just don’t see that many tourists.

We started initiating contact first, and quickly discovered that the Armenian people are SO friendly. One of our taxi drivers called his daughter on speakerphone because she spoke better English than him, and he wanted us to talk to her. If we had a problem, people would go out of their way to help us.. like the time we got lost and a very nice man drew directions for us in the dirt. If you find yourself traveling in Armenia, I highly recommend trying to make a connection with the people. They played a big role in my fondness for this country.

ARMENIA TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS // WHERE TO GO

Northern armenia.

DILIJAN A town in Northern Armenia also known as “Little Switzerland” because of it’s dense forests and snowcapped mountains. Dilijan is a good jumping off point for Haghartsin and Goshavank Monasteries.

HAGHARTSIN MONASTERY A 13th century monastery located in the Tavush province. Haghartsin is one of the most visited monasteries in Armenia and is known for it’s incredible location tucked amongst the trees, on the top of a hill.

RELATED POST: HAGHARTSTIN MONASTERY // ARMENIA’S HIDDEN MOUNTAIN GEM

LORI PROVINCE One of the most beautiful provinces in Armenia. It includes towns such as Stepanavan, Alaverdi and Spitak. In Lori Province you can visit the Lori Berd Fortress, Haghpat Monastery and Sanahin Monastery.

RELATED POST: AVAN DZORAGET HOTEL // A PEACEFUL RETREAT IN LORI PROVINCE

LAKE SEVAN   The largest body of water in Armenia and one of the highest altitude lakes in the world. Lake Sevan is a popular Armenia travel getaway for those looking to escape the Summer heat and relax on some sandy beaches. Also be sure to visit Sevanavank Monastery, located right on the shore of the Lake.

GOSHAVANK  Located 15km from Dilijan, Goshavank is a 12th century monastery that used to be one of the leading spiritual and educational-cultural centers of medieval Armenia.

SOUTHERN ARMENIA

JERMUK  A mountain spa town located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Southern Armenia. Most of the country’s mineral water comes from here and it’s a popular destination for those seeking out mineral spa treatments and hot springs.

ARENI  Armenia’s wine region which was said to have been founded by Noah and his sons (from the Christian Bible). The world’s oldest winery was discovered here in the Areni-1 cave, which you can tour.

As you drive through the village, you’ll pass dozens of stands with vendors selling homemade wine out of old water jugs and coke bottles. Or you can visit Hin Areni winery for a tour and tasting. We ended up buying 4 bottles of Hin Areni wine (including their reserve) and it cost less than $30USD.

NORAVANK MONASTERY A 13th century monastery located within a deep gorge created by the Amaghu River. Noravank is definitely worth visiting because the scenery is breathtaking. You can combine your visit with a stop in Areni as it’s only 10km (6 miles) apart.

RELATED POST: NORAVANK MONASTERY // A MUST VISIT SITE IN SOUTHERN ARMENIA

TATEV MONASTERY I highly regret not   making it to this monastery. It was a little too far away to turn into a day trip, and we just ran out of time. Tatev Monastery’s location looks breathtakingly gorgeous, situated on a basalt plateau in the Syunik Province. To reach the monastery, you have to travel on the world’s longest cable car, the Wings of Tatev.

Google it. Trust me.

CENTRAL ARMENIA

KHOR VIRAP Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage site. Khor Virap is said to have been the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before successfully converting King Trdat to Christianity, thus making Armenia the world’s first Christian nation. In addition to it’s religious significance, Khor Virap also offers one of the best views of Mount Ararat (granted that it’s not covered by the clouds … like when we visited 🙁 ).

GEGHARD MONASTERY Located in the Kotayak Province, Geghard Monastery was founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It’s partially carved out of the mountain stone and is named after the spear that wounded Jesus during his crucifixion. The spear is said to have been housed here until it was moved to Armenia’s Ejmiatsin Cathedral.

TSAKHKADZOR  Located in the Kotayak Province, Tsakhkadzor is a popular ski resort town only only one hour from Yerevan. Kecharis Monastery and Makravank Monastery are nearby.

YEREVAN Armenia’s capital and the largest city in the country. Yerevan is also known as The Pink City because it’s buildings are made out of pink lava stone.

RELATED POST: 6 THINGS TO DO IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA 

 ARMENIA TRAVEL GUIDE  // WHAT TO WEAR

Despite being sandwiched between Muslim countries, Armenia is a Christian nation so there is no specific dress code to adhere to. Still, it appeared to be somewhat conservative as far as clothing goes, so airing on the side of modesty will help you fit in.

The women in Yerevan had great style; I’d describe it as casual chic with some funky touches here and there. I noticed a lot of blacks and neutrals, with subtle pops of color, cool shoes and of course, designer bags.

The climate changes throughout the country, so packing Armenia travel outfits with a few different layers is recommended. Even in the hot Summer, nights can get a little chilly.

BISHOP + YOUNG TANK | JUNK FOOD GRAPHIC TEE | TOPSHOP STRIPED TEE | FRAME HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS | TOPSHOP DENIM SKIRT | J.CREW CROP PANTS | TOPSHOP CROPPED STRIPED JUMPSUIT  | T ORY BURCH FLATS | SAM EDELMAN MULE | GUCCI PURSE | FRANK & EILEEN CARDIGAN

Did I miss anything? Leave any of your Armenia travel tips in the comments!

Pin it // the ultimate armenia travel guide.

5 thoughts on “The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide // An Essential Break Down”

What a great post! I totally agree with you, I very rarely see posts about Armenia and think you’ve done a great job of introducing me to the country, it sounds lovely 🙂

Hi Helena, Thank you so much!! Armenia was such a cool country, I hope you make it over there soon 🙂

We are 4 pax planning to visit armenia in mid october (total 7 days travel plan for ) from dubai. travel date oct 14 .

Request to provide a rough itinerary so that we could cover important tourist spots in important towns.

We are nature lovers..then we wish to experience fall season,snow & a daytime .We have to book accommodations at various places as per the itinerary.

please help.

Minju shikin

Hi Minji! I’ve written several posts about Armenia which can hopefully give you some ideas for your trip. https://hellojetlag.com/category/armenia/

I recommend consulting with a travel agent for a more personalized itinerary as they will be able to give you more suggestions beyond what I saw during my trip.

Hope this helps! Lindsey

I have been dreaming on traveling Armenia from long time back. Great sharing of the needed information.

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Armenia Foreign Ministry

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Armenia? Plan Your Dream Escape

Picture this: the sun gently warming your skin as you stroll through ancient streets, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the sounds of lively conversations. Or perhaps, the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes that seem straight out of a winter fairy tale.

Having experienced the enchanting land of Armenia firsthand, I can assure you that the question of when to visit is more than just a matter of dates; it’s about capturing the essence of each season and immersing yourself in the heart of this remarkable country.

The perfect time to visit this beautiful country depends on several factors, most importantly, on your personal preferences.

Spring – A Season of Rebirth

Spring in Armenia is a time when the country awakens from its winter slumber, with nature bursting into life and the landscapes painted in vibrant hues.

March to May: Blooming Landscapes

March marks the beginning of spring in Armenia. As the snow melts, wildflowers begin to bloom, carpeting the meadows in a riot of colors. By April and May, the entire country is in full bloom, making it a perfect time for nature lovers and photographers.

The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

Spring Festivals

Spring is also the season of festivals in Armenia. From the colorful celebrations of Vardavar, where locals engage in water fights, to the solemn remembrance of the Armenian Genocide on April 24th , spring offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Armenian culture.

Participating in these festivals provides travelers with an authentic experience of the nation’s traditions and history.

Summer Offers Warm Days and Festive Nights

Summer here is characterized by warm days, clear skies, and a plethora of activities to indulge in.

June to August: Sun-Kissed Adventures

The summer months of June to August see temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This is the ideal time for those looking to explore Armenia’s stunning landscapes, from the serene Lake Sevan to the majestic Mount Ararat.

The long daylight hours also mean more time for sightseeing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Plus, the summer warmth is perfect for enjoying Armenia’s alfresco dining and vibrant street life.

Summer Festivals

Summer is also the season for some of Armenia’s most iconic festivals. The Yerevan Jazz Fest in July attracts international artists and jazz enthusiasts from around the world. Meanwhile, the Areni Wine Festival in October celebrates the country’s rich winemaking heritage with tastings, traditional music, and dance.

These festivals not only showcase Armenia’s artistic prowess but also offer a chance to mingle with locals and immerse oneself in the nation’s festive spirit.

To Witness A Symphony of Colors, Choose Autumn!

Autumn in Armenia is nothing short of magical, with the landscapes transforming into a canvas of red, orange, and gold.

September to November – Nature’s Grand Finale

As the summer heat subsides, the crisp autumn air takes over, making it an ideal time for trekking and exploring Armenia’s national parks. The forests of Dilijan and the valleys of Lori come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

The temperatures during these months hover between 10°C to 20°C, making it pleasant for outdoor excursions.

Harvest Season

Autumn is also harvest season in Armenia, a time when the country’s bountiful produce is celebrated. From succulent fruits like pomegranates and figs to the grape harvest for winemaking, this is the best time for foodies to visit.

Many local communities host harvest festivals, where traditional dishes are prepared, and ancient recipes are shared. Engaging in these culinary experiences allows travelers to taste the true flavors of Armenia .

Winter and Its Snowy Wonderland

Winter in Armenia is a season of contrasts, with snow-capped peaks and cozy urban retreats offering a unique blend of experiences.

Winter Sports and Scenic Beauty

The winter months transform Armenia’s mountainous regions into a snowy paradise, making it a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts. The Tsaghkadzor ski resort, in particular, has become a hub of activity, attracting both skiers and snowboarders.

With temperatures often dipping below freezing, it’s also a perfect time to enjoy the country’s natural hot springs, offering a warm respite from the cold.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations

Armenia, with its rich Christian heritage, celebrates Christmas with great fervor. The streets of Yerevan and other cities come alive with festive lights, markets, and carolers.

The Armenian Christmas celebrated on January 6th, is a blend of religious ceremonies and family gatherings. New Year’s Eve is another grand celebration, with fireworks, feasts, and festivities ringing in the new year.

Off-Peak Travel

Traveling during the off-peak seasons can offer a unique perspective, with fewer tourists and a chance to discover Armenia’s hidden treasures.

Late Autumn and Early Spring: Serenity and Savings

Late autumn (late November) and early spring (early March) are considered off-peak travel times. During these periods, popular tourist spots are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience.

Additionally, many hotels and tour operators offer discounts, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Opportunity to Engage with Locals

Traveling during off-peak times provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with the local community. With fewer tourists around, locals have more time to share stories, traditions, and insights about their homeland.

This can lead to authentic experiences, from joining a family for a traditional meal to learning age-old crafts and skills.

Which Factors to Consider When Choosing the Season?

While each season offers its unique charm, there are other factors to consider when planning your Armenian adventure.

Personal Preferences: Activities and Interests

Are you an avid hiker, a history buff, or a food enthusiast? Your personal interests play a significant role in determining the best time to visit. For instance, if you’re keen on trekking, spring and autumn are ideal.

But if you’re more into cultural festivals and events, summer might be your best bet.

Budget and Accommodation

Travel costs can vary significantly based on the season. Summer, being the peak tourist season, might be more expensive in terms of accommodation and activities. On the other hand, off-peak seasons can offer better deals and more value for money.

Researching in advance and booking early can also lead to substantial savings.

Are there any festivals in October?

Yes, the Areni Wine Festival and the ReAnimania Yerevan International Animation Film and Comics Art Festival are held in October.

When is it not recommended to visit Armenia?

If you dislike the cold, avoid the winter months. April and May might also be unsuitable due to rain. July is busy with tourists.

How is November for tourism?

November sees a drop in temperature and fewer tourists, making it a quiet time to visit.

Is September a good time to visit?

Late September is great for touring as the temperature cools off. Events like the Carpet Festival and the Erebuni-Yerevan Festival occur this month.

What is the average rainfall in May?

The average rainfall in May is 22 days.

The Bottom Line

Armenia, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, promises an unforgettable experience, irrespective of the season. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview, personalizing your itinerary based on interests, duration of stay, and other preferences will ensure a trip that’s truly your own.

While planning is essential, some of the best memories often come from unplanned moments. Whether it’s a chance encounter with a local, stumbling upon a hidden gem, or participating in an impromptu village fest, embracing the unexpected can lead to the most authentic and cherished experiences.

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• 8 Traditional Armenian Desserts - Armenia's Finest
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The Best Time to Visit Armenia for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Armenia for ideal weather are

May 21st to October 7th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Armenia Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Armenia Travel Info

Weather in armenia.

Average temperatures in Armenia vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a low chance of precipitation most of the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 44th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Armenia, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early August where highs are regularly around 90.8°F (32.7°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 60.7°F (15.9°C) at night.

Armenia Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Armenia temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Armenia Perceived Temperature (F)

Armenia perceived temperature (c), average armenia temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Armenia are July, September, and then December. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around mid December. For example, on the week of December 17th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early to mid May with an average of 3 days of significant precipitation the week of May 7th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Armenia.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Armenia (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Armenia has some very humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is August (53.6% relative humidity), and the most humid month is December (70.3%).

Wind in Armenia is usually calm . The windiest month is March, followed by June and January. March’s average wind speed of around 5.9 knots (6.7 MPH or 10.9 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early June where average top sustained speeds reach 11.2 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Armenia.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to armenia.

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe, except in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are regional travel advisories for Armenia; exercise normal security precautions and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 09, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Armenia is July, followed by June and August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Armenia in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall armenia travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 76.9°F (24.9°C) and 45.8°F (7.7°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 4 to 7 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see moderate precipitation with 1 to 4 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Armenia, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 83.3°F (28.5°C) and 44.7°F (7.1°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 1 to 6 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Armenia to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 46.2°F (7.9°C) and 31°F (-0.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 2 to 3 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Armenia

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Home » Travel Guides » Armenia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

Armenia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, with the small but charming nation boasting a rich history.

Armenia, which was the first country to declare Christianity as its national religion, boasts some of Europe’s most stunning views, with the peak of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline. The mountain is Armenia’s national symbol despite its peak lying just over the Turkish border and Ararat is considered holy by locals due to its mention in The Bible – it is where Noah’s Ark landed.

Armenia is home to countless beautiful monasteries and they are often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the whole of Europe as the nation continues to embrace tourism. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Armenia !

By far the largest city in Armenia, the capital Yerevan is a great place to start for anyone wishing to explore Armenia. The city is home to the grand Republic Square, while climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must.

Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past. Vernissage market is worth visiting too – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also highly recommended.

Much of what Armenia has to offer can be explored during day trips from Yerevan, which is known as the City of Cafes.

Yerevan is also home to Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the whole of the country, as well as Levon’s Amazing Underground World, which is one of Europe’s most unusual attractions.

2. Shikahogh State Reserve

The second largest forest reserve in Armenia, Shikahogh State Reserve is so unspoiled that large parts of it remains unexplored to this day.

The forest is believed to be home to animals including leopards, bears, wild goats and vipers and it is also thought that Shikahogh State Reserve has about 1,100 species of plants, although its fauna has not yet been fully explored. The reserve was threatened by a planned highway in 2005, but environments successfully lobbied for the forest’s future to be protected.

The reserve also has a number of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.

3. Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country. The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery – providing a glorious scenic backdrop to a relaxing trip.

Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a wide choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore.

Lake Sevan has a number of popular beaches and, as the country has no coastline, this is the best place in Armenia to sunbathe, with Sevan Bay and its surrounding mountains providing spectacular scenery.

4. Dilijan National Park

Armenia has four national parks and Dilijan national park may be the most beautiful of the lovely quartet. The park, which was only established in 2002, is famous for its medicinal mineral water springs, as well as its natural monuments.

Many of Armenia’s more important cultural locations can be found within the grounds of the park, such as Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery  and Jukhtak Vank, as well as Matosavank Monastery and the Akhnabat church.

The Aghestev and Getik river basins are also both within the boundaries of Dilijan national park.

5. Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats is one of Armenia’s most stunning natural sights, with the dormant volcano located in the north of the country. It is Armenia’s highest peak and there is a lot of rock art to be enjoyed around its base, with paintings of animals and human-like figures dating back hundreds of years.

Snow covers the peak almost all year-round but Mount Aragats can be climbed, with July, August and September the best times of the year to attempt the hike.

The southernmost of the four peaks is the easiest to climb, while the northern peak, at around 4,000 metres, is the most challenging.

6. Lake Arpi

While Lake Sevan can be extremely crowded during the peak tourist season, Lake Arpi has a much more relaxed feel.

Used for irrigation and hydropower production, Lake Arpi is also the source of the Akhurian River. In 2009 a new park was established around the lake to protect the natural environment, with around 100 species of birds known to live in the area. Lake Arpi also hosts rich flora and fauna and is a Ramsar Convention protected site.

Lake Arpi has one the largest colonies of Armenian Gull and its recreation activities include camping and walking tours.

7. Noravank

Monasteries are one of Armenia’s defining characteristics and the example at Noravank is one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Sheer brick-red cliffs shield the monastery, which was built in the 13th century.

Noravank is famous for its Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, while the story goes that the monastery was saved by God himself when Armenia was conquered by the Mongols hundreds of years ago.

If you only choose to go to one monastery during a trip to Armenia, Noravank would be an extremely good selection – thousands of people visit every year.

The second largest city in Armenia, Gyumri is well worth a visit for anyone heading to the country for the first time. Perhaps the best place from which to enjoy the sights of Gyumri is from the Black Fortress on the hill that overlooks the city, while the massive Mother Armenia statue can also be found nearby.

Many of the most important cultural institutions of Armenia are in Gyumri, such as the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri, as well as the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum and the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum.

The Kumayri Historic District is Gyumri’s oldest area, with a thousand ancient buildings found here.

9. Vanadzor

Armenia’s third major city is Vanadzor, which is located in the north of the country. Vanadzor is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful Lori region, which is certainly one of the best places to visit in Armenia.

The Vanadzor Botanical Garden is one of the finest tourist attractions in the city, while visitors should also consider checking out the Vanadzor fine art museum. The many mineral springs of the Lori region mean there are a wide range of terrific spas to enjoy in and around Vanadzor.

Although Vanadzor is primarily an industrial city, it also houses many theatres, such as the Bohem Chamber Theatre of Vanadzor and the Vanadzor Puppet Theatre.

10. Amberd Fortress

Dating back to the seventh century, Amberd Fortress is one of the most stunning places to visit in Armenia. Formerly among the Armenian Kingdom’s primary military-defensive points, the fortress can be reached in about an hour from the capital city Yerevan.

However, snowfall can make the fortress inaccessible during the winter months, with the weather usually improving by late May. The view from the top of the fortress is truly breathtaking, while the building itself is also stunning.

Amberd Fortress is a short trip from the village of Byurakan, home of the Byurakan Observatory.

11. Tsaghkadzor

Armenia’s mountainous scenery makes it ideal for winter sports and the country’s best ski resort can be found at Tsaghkadzor in the heart of the country. Ski lifts are paid for by the ride and are among the most affordable in Europe.

Tsaghkadzor boasts some of the finest hotels in the country, while the resort also has one of the nation’s biggest entertainment centers in the form of the Senator Royale casino complex.

Tsaghkadzor also has the Kecharis Monastery, which is one of Armenia’s most important religious complexes, dating back to the start of the 11th century.

12. Upper Azat Valley

The Upper Azat Valley is one of Armenia’s World Heritage Sites, partly due to the incredible Geghard Monastery for which the region is most famous. The main chapel was built 800 years ago but the history of the monastery goes all the way back to the fourth century, when it was founded by Gregory the Illuminator.

According to legend, the Geghard Monastery once housed one of the spears that was used to crucify Jesus Christ, brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus, and as such it is one of Armenia’s most important religious sites.

The Upper Azat Valley is also home to the St Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) chapel, which is partially carved out of the rock.

13. Karahunj Observatory

Often referred to internationally as Armenia’s version of Britain’s Stonehenge, Karahunj is one of the most fascinating places to visit during a break in Armenia.

Located close to the city of Sisian in the Syunik province, Karahunj is made up of well over 200 massive stone tombs, while the main area sees 40 stones standing in a circular formation, supposedly built in honour of the Armenian main God, Ari, named after the Sun.

A small museum in Sisian is dedicated to findings that have been made at Karahunj, which is claimed to be the oldest observatory of its kind in the world.

14. Khor Virap

Views of Mount Ararat can be enjoyed from all over Armenia, but perhaps the best scenery of the mountain can be found from the Khor Virap monastery, which is definitely also worth visiting in its own right.

This location is one of the most important historic sites in Armenia’s history as it was where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before he cured King Trdat III of his disease. The King then converted to Christianity, paving the way for Armenia’s religious future.

As such, Khor Virap is a popular spot for Armenian weddings today, while the underground chamber in which Gregory the Illuminator was held can be visited during a trip to Khor Virap, which is among Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage sites as a result.

Our final selection for the best places to visit in Armenia is Dvin, one of the country’s oldest cities – in fact, it was the capital of Armenia in medieval times. A sixth century BC fortress was also once situated in Dvin, according to Unesco, while incredible artefacts are regularly found in this part of Armenia.

More modern sights can also be enjoyed in the city, such as the St. Harutyun Church in Dvin, which was built in 2000.

Dvin once housed the Cathedral of St. Grigor, but all that remains of the building today is the stone foundations that have been uncovered by archeologists.

15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia:

• Shikahogh State Reserve
• Dilijan National Park
• Mount Aragats
• Amberd Fortress
• Tsaghkadzor
• Upper Azat Valley
• Karahunj Observatory

• Partner with Us
• Made in Armenia
• Gegharkunik
• Vayots Dzor
• Cultural Heritage
• Food & Drink
• Itineraries & Road Trips
• Nature Activities
• Practical Information
• Soviet Armenia
• Things To Do
• What to Pack
• Where to Stay

Best of Armenia , Things To Do

101 mind-blowing places to visit in armenia (by region).

Armenia may be a small country but it truly has so much to do! These are the best places to visit in Armenia – from well-known places to off-the-path tourist attractions in Armenia that you probably have not heard of!

This guide details some of our favorite places to see in Armenia and we break them all down by region (marz), so you can explore places close by if you have your sights set on a specific place.

What is your favorite destination in Armenia? Let us know in the comments! Thanks!

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and Tours In Armenia:

• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery (from $34)
• Armenia: Private Tour to Khor Virap Monastery (from $37)
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin (from $90)
• From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour (from $39)

Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander (a luxury in Yerevan)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in Yerevan
• 14th Floor (mid-range in Yerevan)
• Grand Hostel (budget in Yerevan)

Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

Places to Visit in Yerevan

Cascade complex.

One of the most popular Soviet Modernism constructions in Yerevan is the fascinating Cascade Complex .

It truly is one of the gems of Yerevan! There are some fantastic Yerevan cafes situated here and it is one of our favorite places to go for a stroll!

Made of beautiful limestone the masterpiece monument is located in the city center and it’s a stairway that connects the upper part of Yerevan to downtown.

Unique construction contains in it many stone artworks, on each level, garden with open-air exhibitions and also is possible to see many wonderful exhibits of contemporary arts from around the world in Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Cascade.

Address: 10 Tamanyan St

Hrazdan Gorge

Yerevan is also a unique city because unlike many other world capitals, it has an amazing and impressive gorge crossing through the city center and connecting one part of Yerevan to the other.

Hrazdan Gorge is one of the hidden gems of Yerevan that is connected to the city center by an old Soviet-era tunnel where it is possible to see a partially abandoned Children’s Railway, an old aqueduct, an ancient red bridge, the Hrazdan River, and more!

In Hrazdan Gorge , you can also experience several events and activities such as rock climbing, the Urvakan Festival , and ziplining.

Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve

Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world founded approximately in 782 BC and you can see a lot of the history of the city at the Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve .

Located in the southern part of the Yerevan on the hill of Arin Berd (also knowns as Red Hill) it is possible to visit the first settlements of Yerevan, the Urartian Fortress Erebouni, where Argishti I was living in his palace.

The museum is filled with ancient constructions, artifacts, and much more! It is one of the best places to visit in Yerevan!

Address: 38 Erebuni St

Dancing Fountains at Republic Square

A beloved place for locals and tourists to enjoy the warm Yerevan nights and witness an exciting and colorful fountain show … the Dancing Fountains are Soviet-era fountains that put on a musical show every evening during the warmer months in the heart of Republic Square.

Matenadaran

Home of ancient manuscripts, the Matenadaran a unique place where it is possible to see one of the biggest collections of Armenian and international manuscripts from different centuries.

Located in the center of Yerevan, it is a captivating building that is impressive both from inside and outside and should definitely be on your Armenia bucket list!

Address: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave

Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

One of the most important monuments in Armenia the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex that was constructed in honor of the victims of the Armenia Genocide by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

The construction of the unique monument started in 1967 (architect = Arthur Tarkhanyan) and has historical symbolism in each element of it. In addition, it is possible to see a museum underground when you’re visiting the complex.

Each year on April 24, there is a big memorial ceremony there.

Address: 8 Tsitsernakaberd Highway

Blue Mosque

The oldest existing Iranian Shia Mosque in Armenia is located in Yerevan and was constructed in 1768. It is known as the Blue Mosque as a result of its colorful details and accents of blue throughout.

The Blue Mosque is open for visitors where it is possible to get more familiar with the history of the construction, relax in a lovely garden, and photograph the architecture of it.

Address: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Ave

Yerevan Vernissage

The biggest flea market in Armenia is called Vernissage and it is one of the most popular places in Yerevan and a beloved place for both tourists and locals.

Located in the city center next to Republic Square the Vernissage is offering wide varieties of Armenian handmade souvenirs, clothing, artworks, carpets, soviet-era accessories, and many more.

Address: 1, 3 Buzand St

Sergei Parajanov Museum

Probably the most fascinating and unique museum in Armenia (maybe even throughout the whole Caucasus!) is the museum of Armenian filmmaker, artist, and director Sergei Parajanov .

He is most famous for the film The Color of Pomegranates and at the Sergei Parajanov Museum in Yerevan, you can see memorabilia from his life and masterpieces… and more.

It is one of the best things to do in Yerevan , without a doubt!

Address: Dzoragyugh 1st St

Yerevan Botanical Garden

Located out of the city center and in the Avan district, the Yerevan Botanical Garden is a spacious slice of nature in the city where it is possible to jog, photograph, picnic, play games, and more.

The most interesting part of the area is the Soviet-era greenhouse where you will see a large display of plants, small pools, and stairs to walk up to observe the greenhouse.

The Botanical Gardens is in a state of repair and hopefully it will breathe a bit of new life into the place! Either way, it is a cool place to visit!

Address: 15 Lepsiusi Street

Ararat Brandy Company

One of the points of pride in Armenia (and our symbol of top-quality spirits) is the Ararat Brandy Company . It is the home of the legendary Ararat Brandy (Cognac).

Since 1887, the Ararat factory has been making and perfecting brandy and offering tours to see the history of the beverage and try the drink that was a favorite of Winston Churchill.

Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Ave

Karen Demirtchian Sport / Concert Complex

One of the masterpieces of Soviet Modernist architecture in Yerevan is the impressive Karen Demirtchian Sport / Concert Complex that is also known as Hamalir.

It is visually one of the most fascinating constructions in Armenia and the entire Caucasus region.

Built next to Tsitsernakaberd hill in 1983, it is the biggest sports and concert complex in the country and has 184 stairs leading to it that are decorated with beautiful stones and water fountains.

Address: 1 Tsitsernakaberd Highway

Yerevan Noy Wine Brandy Vodka Factory

Also known as the Noy Factory , the massive alcohol-producing factory was founded during the Russian Empire times in 1877 close to the territory of the Yerevan Fortress.

The factory offers unforgettable and amazing tours from underground sellers to historical buildings where you will see and sample the premium class brandy and wines.

Address: 9 Argishti St

Saryan Wine Street

One of the most vibrant streets in the Yerevan city center is Saryan Street . The street is known for its hidden wine shops, charming cafes, and one of our favorite coffee shops in Yerevan !

As you wander along Saryan Street, you will find some really hip bars and restaurants and you will also find some exciting museums. The museum for artist Martiros Saryan is located there as well as a museum dedicated to poet Hovhannes Tumanyan.

During May, this is also the place where Yerevan Wine Days takes place!

Lovers Park

This lovely and well-maintained park in Yerevan is located on Baghramyan street next to the metro station and is one of the most beloved parks in Yerevan for locals, tourists, and couples to hang out.

Head to Lovers Park and enjoy the wonderful terraces, co-work in a cafe, see open-air concerts, and more.

Address: 21 Marshal Baghramyan Ave

Kond District

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Yerevan is called Kond. The Kond District is a hidden land of forgotten history, small homes, and street art in the city center of Yerevan.

Located on a little hill in the city center, Kond has transformed into the city’s most colorful neighborhood as street art adorns the buildings and narrow alleys.

This is definitely a cool little stop in Yerevan!

Places to Visit in Ararat Region

Khor virap monastery.

One of the most iconic symbols of Armenia and Christianity is Khor Virap Monastery , located an hour away from Yerevan in the Ararat region in the unique Ararat Valley location overlooking the Ararat Mountain.

Khor Virap Monastery used to be a Royal Prison and where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by King Tiridates III.

After surviving and getting out, in 301 AD, he made Armenia the first Christian Nation in the World.

Getting to Khor Virap from Yerevan is pretty easy and there are plenty of tours that will take you there!

Khosrov Forest State Reserve

One of the most popular national parks and reserves in Armenia is the Khosrov Forest State Reserve.

The protected area is where travelers can embark on scenic hikes, camping adventures, historical sites, some of the most famous waterfalls in Armenia , and witness the unique wildlife in Khosrov Forest.

The 1700-years-old Khosrov Forest State Reserve is located in the Ararat region about 2 hours away from Yerevan and was named in honor of Armenian king Khosrov because it was his royal hunting forest.

Dvin Village

The ancient settlements of Dvin are located near Dvin Village in the Ararat region about 45 minutes away from Yerevan.

These ruins date back to the 3rd-century BC! This is one of the best day trips from Yerevan if you’re into history.

During its long history, Dvin once was the capital of the Armenian kingdom during Khosrov II in the 4th-century.

It was an epicenter for trade for around 13 centuries and was even a base of Katholikos of Armenia at one point.

Angels’ Canyon

Located only one hour away in Vedi in the Ararat region, you will end up in a jagged, red rock canyon called Angels’ Canyon (Hreshtakneri Dzor in Armenian).

This awe-inspiring landmark in Armenia is a beloved place for hikers and rock climbers where locals and travelers are hiking to explore the area and take interesting photos.

Hell’s Canyon

For extreme sports lovers and exactly for rock climbers, Hell’s Canyon in the Ararat region is a must-visit place if you’re an adventurer and looking to see some of Armenia’s best scenery.

It is often referred to as Aratso Dzor (Aratso Canyon).

Resembling bloody, red-colored rocks, the canyon is still a bit undiscovered and has several hidden corners, waterfalls, caves, and other natural spots that will take your breath away!

Azat Reservoir

Surrounded by colorful, rigid mountains with unusual layers, Azat Reservoir is located less than an hour away from Yerevan in the Ararat region (although most people mistake it for being in Kotayk).

Azat Reservoir is not only one of the most beloved places for hiking for locals and travelers but is also a place where you can go fishing, camping, and just enjoy the serene sounds of being away from the city.

Places to Visit in Vayots Dzor Region

Areni wine village.

Areni Wine Village is probably the oldest wine-making and production place in the world that we currently know of and it is an essential place to visit in Armenia.

Located in the Vayots Dzor region and surrounded by picturesque and colorful mountains, Areni village is on everyone’s list to visit to try the local wine, hike to the church located up in the rocks, and participate in one of the most famous wine festivals in Armenia known as the Areni Wine Fest .

This festival takes place each year in October and is a blast! Be sure to also book a stay at Anapat Canyon when youʻre there – it is one of our favorite places to stay in Armenia!

Noravank Monastery

The 13th-century Noravank Monastery is another very popular historical sight located in the Vayots Dzor region and situated in a very picturesque setting.

After passing Areni village, you will and enter a narrow cliff road to the monastery where you will see red cliffs, colorful mountains, and the powerful Amaghu River.

Noravank Monastery is one of the most visited places in Armenia and its setting makes it unique to pretty much just about any other monastery – so be sure to add it to your Armenia itinerary !

Jermuk Hot Springs

Armenia is a land of mountains and extinct volcanoes, so you will find many unique sights throughout like the Jermuk Hot Springs .

Jermuk is a popular spa town in the Vayots Dzor region where it is possible to drink famous Jermuk mineral water at different temperatures and the minerals contained are exceptional for your health.

In addition, it is possible to bathe in the springs!  You can venture to the mountains around Jermuk and soak in the hot springs.

Tanahat Monastery

The 8th-century Tanahat Monastery is located in the Vayots Dzor mountains and is another place that you should stop by after visiting Areni.

Just like many other religious centers, Tanahat Monastery has a rich history and survived an earthquake but it contains some of the most interesting stone artwork such as details where an eagle clawed a ram or where a lion attacks a bull.

Areni-1 Cave

In 2008 near Areni village in the Vayots Dzor region, archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest winery dating back over 6100 years to the Early Bronze Age in a cave called the Areni-1 Cave .

The impressive cave is located alongside the Arpa River where inside it is possible to see the ancient wine barrels where the wine was once made as well as human remains from ceremonial burials.

You can also see the cave where the oldest leather shoe was discovered (5,500 years old).

Stretching between the Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor regions, the famous Selim Pass was part of the Great Silk Road that passed through Armenia.

Selim Pass Caravanserai (also called Orbelian’s) dates back to the 14th-century and the buildings are covered with medieval stone works and ornaments and was where caravans used to stop by and spend a night before continuing on their journey west.

Tsaghats Kar Monastery

Tsaghats Kar Monastery is another historical monastery that was built in the mountains of the Vayots Dzor region near the Yeghegis River, very close to Smbataberd Fortress.

The 10th-century church is covered with ancient stone ornaments, khachkars, and other ruins nearby and it is iconic because of its beautifully-situated location.

Orbelian’s Caravanserai

Another historic site in Armenia that was part of the Great Silk Road is Orbelian’s Caravanserai. It was constructed in 1332 in Vayots Dzor region in the Vardenis Mountains at an elevation of 2400 meters.

Also called Selim Caravanserai, Orbelian’s was a stopping point for caravans along the Silk Road.

Jermuk Waterfall

At 72m high, Jermuk Waterfall is one of the most iconic places in the Vayots Dzor region and is a famous place to visit in the spa town.

The waterfall is unique as it is a sliding waterfall and the water drops into the Arpa River.

The local legend refers to the waterfall as “the hair of the mermaid” because the girl was using her hair to help her beloved man climb up to her.

Smbataberd Fortress

In between Artabuynk and Yeghegis villages, you will find one of the most renowned fortresses in Armenia called the Smbataberd Fortress.

The 10th-century fortress is located in the Vayots Dzor region and was constructed by Bagratuni King Smbat II and over the centuries, it became one of the most interesting places to visit in Armenia.

On your way back, be sure to stop in Arin village and check out the Lenin statue!

Places to Visit in Kotayk Region

The temple of garni.

The Temple of Garni is Armenia’s famous and well-preserved Greco-Roman Pagan temple built by King Tiridates I in 1AD to worship the sun god Mihr. It was also used as a summer house for royal families.

The gorgeous Temple of Garni is located 30 minutes away from Yerevan in the village of Garni in the Kotayk region right on the edge of the mind-blowing gorge surrounded by the Gegham mountains.

Arzakan Hot Springs

Lovey Arzakan village in the Kotayk region is only an hour and a half away from Yerevan and presents visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the Arzakan Hot Springs located there.

On the weekends, many locals and travelers drive to Arzakan to relax in the mineral-rich springs, have a BBQ (Armenian khorovats), and picnic.

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

The popular spa town of Tsaghkadzor offers so much to do and is home to the most popular ski resort in Armenia.

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is located approximately one hour away from Yerevan in the Kotayk Region on Mount Tanegizon (2819 meters high).

When you’re there, you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and so much more!

Geghard Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geghard Monastery translates to ‘spear’ and it is now preserved in Echmiadzin.

Half of the monastery sits inside of the rock and was created that way. As a result, there are fantastic acoustics for choirs that visit and sing inside of the place.

Geghard Monastery is an important Christian site and is a popular place for those on a pilgrimage, as well as history and nature lovers.

It is located in the Kotayk region about 45 minutes from Yerevan.  It is often visited alongside the Temple of Garni.

In Kotayk, you will find a village near Tsaghkadzor called Meghradzor . Translating to ‘Honey Gorge’, Meghradzor is a fantastic day trip.

The village is home to several murals created by PATMI and street artists from around the world.

There is also a waterfall (Meghradzor Waterfall) that you can hike up to nearby and enjoy a picnic beside).

It truly is one of the most undiscovered places in Armenia and one we recommend visiting!

Charent’s Arch

Dedicated to famous Armenian writer Yeghishe Charents, this creation of Rafael Israelyan is located on the way to Garni in Kotayk. It is such a fantastic pit stop where you can get a stellar view of Ararat Mountain and the valley from it.

Charent’s Arch was a beloved place of the poet because of the sunset views of Ararat.

Crystal clear Lake Akna (Akna Lich) is located in the Kotayk region in the range of the Gegham mountains and is a holy grail for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Located at an altitude of 3032 meters, the natural wonder, mountain lake is 35 kilometers away from Etchmiadzin and is often seen in conjunction with Azhdahak.

Voghjaberd Caves

Rock climbers and hikers will love visiting the Voghjaberd Caves close to Yerevan (they are actually in Yerevan region but right on the border of Kotayk and best visited from that direction).

People used to inhabit the caves all the way back to the 12-13th centuries.

The caves are on the way to Garni village, only 30 minutes away from Yerevan.

Azhdahak Volcano

One of the most beautiful natural spots in Armenia is the 3,597 meters high extinct volcano of Azhdahak, located in the Kotayk region.

The last time that the volcano erupted was in 1900 BC and after that, mother nature created a stunning, red-colored landscape as well as a mountain lake at the top of it with crystal clear water.

This is a popular spot to hike to during the summers.

Bjni Fortress

The Armenian medieval Bjni Fortress is a beautiful 9th-century historical landmark in the Kotayk region near Bjni village, located on the slopes of the rocky plateau that divides the village in half.

The Pahlavuni family fortress was a defensive construction that presently is a picturesque location for hikers to hike or photographers to enjoy the landscapes surrounding it.

Symphony of Stones

Right below the Temple of Garni in the Azat Gorge is another unique natural wonder of Armenia, the Symphony of Stones .

After collapsing, the rocks of the volcano created basalt columns in pentagon and hexagon shapes that are more than 50 meters high.  Definitely don’t miss seeing this when you visit Garni!

Visually, the formations feel like they are hanging from the rocks and will almost remind you of organ pipes!

Places to Visit in Armavir Region

Etchmiadzin cathedral.

The spiritual center for all Armenians around the globe is the Holy City of Etchmiadzin .

It is one of the biggest cradles of Christianity in the world and is located in the Armavir region, only 20 minutes away from Yerevan.

Many UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (probably one of the first Christian churches in the world) are located in Etchmiadzin and it is also the seat of the Catholicos of Armenia.

Ziarat Yazidi Temple

In the village of Aknalich in Armavir, you will find Ziarat Yazidi Temple , the world’s largest Yazidi temple that was unveiled to the public in 2019. The architect for the project was Artak Ghulian and he is known for his Armenian Apostolic churches.

The new church was built next door to the old Ziarat temple that had opened in 2012.

Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins

The ancient ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral are located in the Armavir region near Etchmiadzin and the Zvartnots Airport .

They are an easy half-day trip (or shorter!) from Yerevan.

The 7th-century cathedral had centrally planned aisled tetra-conch type architecture that was later destroyed during an earthquake.

Is possible to walk around the old remains, see the stone art and visit the interesting museum located near the historical site and learn the full history of the area.

Zvartnots Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Armavir!

Saint Hripsime Church

Probably one of the most complete examples of ancient Armenian architectural masterpieces is the Saint Hripsime Church in Etchmiadzin. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage churches in the Holy City.

Located in the Armavir region right at the entrance of Etchmiadzin, the 7th-century church accepts thousands of visitors from around the world and was named in honor of martyred Saint Hripsime who sacrificed her life for her faith. Her remains are in the basement of the church.

Sardarapat Memorial

Constructed in 1968, the Saradapat Memorial was constructed in the Armavir region in honor of the Battle of Sardarabad against the Turkish army in 1918.

Visitors can see the 35m high bell tower, walk around the memorial wall, and enter the museum where it is possible to see many interesting artifacts. This is a great destination for history lovers near Yerevan.

Places to Visit in Gegharkunik Region

The biggest freshwater lake in the Caucasus, also known as the Blue Pearl of Armenia, is the mesmerizing Lake Sevan .

It is one of the most beautiful and important natural landmarks in the country.

Lake Sevan is a high-altitude lake surrounded by Gehamal Mountain where it is possible to see the amazing landscape, ancient churches situated on the top of the islands, and rocks.

The natural wonder is located approximately an hour away from Yerevan in the Gegharkunik region and it is easy to reach Lake Sevan from Yerevan .

Sevan Writers’ House

One of Armenia’s most notable and iconic masterpieces of Soviet Modernism is the Sevan Writers’ House situated on Sevan Peninsula.

The Sevan Writers’ House was built in 1963 and you can still technically stay there today.

We actually would love to see this place get a bit of attention and better up-keep in the future.  It is such a gem!

Noratus Cemetery

Armenia is the land of khachkars and that typical artform only exists there. In the countryside next to Lake Sevan and near the city of Gavar, you will find Noratus Cemetery , a medieval cemetery with a large collection of ornate khachkars.

The cemetery spans from the 9th to the 17th centuries and today, it is possible to see more than 800 khachkars with different artwork styles stories. Noratus is definitely one of the best day trips from Yerevan.

Hayravank Monastery

Located in a spectacular location right on the edge of Lake Sevan is Hayravank Monastery .

The 9th-century ancient Armenian monastery is located in the Gegharkunik region near Noratus Cemetery and it is a great location to bike to! It is a fantastic stop off of the main highway.

Places to Visit in Syunik Region

Shaki waterfall.

One of the many gorgeous waterfalls in Armenia, Shaki Waterfall might just be the most visited waterfall in the country (or perhaps Jermuk is), but either way – it is spectacular!

Located in the Syunik region, Shaki Waterfall is 18 meters high and flows into the Shaki River.

The name is based on a legend about a girl named Shaki who jumped from the cliff in order to not be captured by conquerors.

Probably one of the coolest and most mysterious places in Armenia, the abandoned village of Hin Khot is located in the Syunik region.

Also known as the Armenian Machu Picchu, the mind-blowing 2nd-century BC Hin Khot village is in a gorge that was actually inhabited all the way until the 1970s.

One of the best things about visiting Hin Khot is that it is part of the Legends Trail , a hike that winds from Khndzoresk all the way to Khustup.

Tatev Monastery

One of the brightest diamonds of Armenia architecture is the 9th-century Tatev Monastery . This historic monastery is on most itineraries for Armenia and for very good reason!

Located in the Syunik region near Tatev village on the edge of Vorotan Gorge, Tatev Monastery used to be the spiritual and educational center of the region.

Besides driving to Tatev Monastery, you can also take a cable car there.

The ‘Wings of Tatev’ is the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car that will take you 5.7 kilometers above the gorge. We recommend visiting Tatev from Yerevan as an overnight trip.

Mount Khustup

One of the most beautiful and iconic mountains in Armenia is Mount Khustup in Syunik.

It is a dream destination for hikers, rock climbers, campers, and lovers of rich and wild nature.

Khustup is 3201 meters high and is covered with alpine meadows and forests and is located near Kapan city. It is part of the Bargushat Mountain range.

Wings of Tatev

The record-breaking Wings of Tatev attraction is the world’s longest reversible aerial cableway, stretching for 5.7 kilometers.

The jaw-dropping cableway helps visitors get to Tatev Monastery in a much easier fashion by connecting Halidzor to Tatev Monastery.

The ‘flight’ over the gorge is breathtaking and one of the most exciting things about visiting Tatev Monastery.

Located on the slopes of the gorge called Khor Dzor, Khndzoresk is probably the most famous abandoned cave village in Armenia where people were inhabited until the 1950s in half cave houses.

The fascinating landmark is located in the Syunik Region near Goris town in the mountains surrounded by lush green forests and caves.

To get there, you need to cross a hanging bridge.  It really is one of the coolest places to visit in Syunik!

Ughtasar Petroglyphs

One of the most underrated places in Armenia where travelers see unique mountain nature and ancient petroglyphs is Ughtasar in Syunik.

This is not an easy place to get to and must be visited during the warmer months and in a tour group or with an all-terrain vehicle.

Hikers will enjoy the trails in the region as they will see rare flora and fauna as well as prehistoric petroglyphs.

Arevik National Park

Spanning a territory of 344 km², Arevik National Park is another incredible destination in Armenia that contains a rich geological and biological ecosystem with diverse nature and wildlife.

The national park is located in the southern part of Syunik, about 17 kilometers away from Meghri . It is home to Armenian mouflon, brown bears, Bezoar goats, the rare Caucasian leopard, and other animals.

Shikahogh State Reserve

The second-largest forest reserve in Armenia the Shikahogh State Reserve.

It is home to massive oak, beech, and other trees within the forest as well as rare species of animals like bears, leopards, vipers, snowcocks, and more.

The reserve is located near Khustup Mountain and offers wonderful hiking opportunities, rock climbing, and camping in the area.

Karahunj is also known as “Zorats Karer” and is a fascinating, prehistoric observatory located in the Syunik region about 5 kilometers away from Goris. Karahunj Observatory is said to be around 7500 years old.

The ancient stones are displayed in a circle and have holes in them.

Based on research, it is said that these holes were created for people to observe the skies, stars, and other things in the solar system.

Vorotnavank Monastery

By order of Queen Shahandukhtin in 1000, Vorotnavank Monastery was built on one of the edges of the Vorotan Gorge in Syunik.

The spectacular location attracts thousands of travelers to observe the ancient church, its huge walls, and opportunities to photograph nature.

Devil’s Bridge

In between Vorotan Gorge and Tatev Monastery in Syunik is a cool place called Devil’s Bridge .

Over millions of years, nature created this wonder with petrified lava and water. It is definitely worth a stop if you’re near Tatev Monastery or anywhere around Kapan .

Medieval Goris Cave Dwellings

Charming and historical, Goris has a lot of unique architecture that is very specific to the city.

We love the city and find that there is a lot to do in Goris and that people should definitely take a trip there (and stay at Hotel Mirhav )!

The town is also famous for being surrounded by amazing natural dwellings and volcanic clusters on the eastern part of Old Goris. People have inhabited this area since the 5th century.

Places to Visit in Shirak Region

Trchkan waterfall.

Located near the border of the Shirak and Lori regions, approximately an hour away from Gyumri and two hours away from Vanadzor, Trchkan Waterfall is another natural wonder that is on everyone’s Armenia bucket list to visit.

The 23.5-meter high Trchkan Waterfall is situated in a picturesque area on the left bank of the Pambak River where many hiking tours take place.

Marmashen Monastery

One of the must-visit places in Armenia for those in Shirak is Marmashen Monastery .

Situated north of Gyumri, this 10th-century Armenian monastery consists of 5 churches and they all have a similar style to that of Khtzkonk Monastery.

Amasia Village

One of our favorite villages in Shirak is Amasia , a small village located north of Gyumri that is on the way to Lake Arpi National Park.

This village is home to the Amasia Wool Factory, colorful homes, a Lenin statue, and much more! It is a cool stop on the road to Lake Arpi and Amasia is one of the best places to visit in Shirak!

Kumayri Historic District

The second-largest city in Armenia is Gyumri. Located in Shirak, you can explore traditional Armenian architecture that was constructed from the 18th to 19th centuries from a black volcanic stone call tuff.

Kumayri Historic District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gyumri.

Known also as Cultural Museum-Reserve, the district is teeming with buildings with unique architecture including museums, authentic hotel boutiques, hip cafes, and much more.

Checking out the district is one of the essential things to do in Gyumri !

Lake Arpi National Park

One of the most underrated natural gems in North Armenia, Lake Arpi National Park is a unique ecosystem that is in the works to develop tourism in the future in Shirak.

Lake Arpi National Park is located an hour a half away from the city of Gyumri and it’s a little slice of heaven covered with wildflowers, a gorgeous lake, rich and rare flora and fauna, and is an area where visitors can fish, camp, hike, and picnic in the woods.

Ashotsk Ski Centre

Known as one of the coldest places in Armenia during the winter season, the Ashotsk Ski Centre is also an amazing place to learn how to ski and be inspired by the natural surroundings.

Founded by a local, legendary skiing family, Ashotsk Ski Centre is located near Gyumri and provides great opportunities for cross-country skiers regardless of whether they are experts or merely beginners.

Black Fortress

There are several 19th-century fortresses constructed during the Russian Empire in Gyumri as defacing points and on the most popular ones was recently renovated.

Also known as Sev Berd in Armenia, visiting the Black Fortress is a must for anyone visiting Gyumri from Yerevan !

Places to Visit in Tavush Region

Lake Gosh is a small mountain lake that is located high in the mountains of the Tavush region deep in the forest.

The lake is located only 25 minutes away from the famous spa town of Dilijan and is considered a great hiking and camping destination for nature lovers and active travelers.

Haghartsin Monastery

Located in Armenia’s lovely Dilijan National Park merely 20 minutes away from Dilijan (town) is Haghartsin Monastery .

This beautiful monastery can’t be missed out on while you are visiting the spa town!

The 10th-century Haghartsin Monastery is located in the middle of the forest where you will find ancient khachkars, amazing architectural elements that were used to build the church, and visit a lovely cafe near the historical monument.

Be sure to grab a tea at the cafe!

Dilijan National Park

Located in the Tavush region and surrounding the town of Dilijan is Dilijan National Park .

This is one of the most picturesque corners of Armenia where dense forests uncover hidden gems like waterfalls, historical remains, alpine meadows, mineral springs, diverse wildlife, and more.

Dilijan National Park is one of the best places to hike and camp because the area offers beautiful trails that pass through rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views.

Picturesque, mysterious, and fabulous are the first words that come to mind when you see Lastiver and the treehouse camp in the area.

Lastiver is located in the Tavush region about 10 kilometers away from Ijevan.

The area contains everything to give you a memorable experience!

For example, there is an ancient cave called Anapat where locals hid from Mongol invaders, wooden treehouses to camp in, hidden hiking trails, a gorgeous river, and a waterfall.

Goshavank Monastery Complex

One of the most famous monasteries in Northern Armenia located in Dilijan National Park is Goshavank Monastery .

It is home to the famous “Aseghnagorts” khachkar which translates to “The Needle Carved” in Armenia.

Located in the Tavush region about 22 kilometers away from Dilijan town, this monastery was named in honor of Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh who wrote the civil code of laws and Canon law. He also founded a school there.

Yell Extreme Park

One of the most picturesque adventure parks in Armenia, Yell Extreme Park is located in the mountains of the Tavush region in Yenokavan village, only 25 kilometers away from the city of Ijevan .

In the park, it is possible to experience exciting activities like zip-lining, a rope park, offroading, horseback riding, and more.

Ijevan Dendropark

Another natural spot that is located in the center of Ijevan is the Ijevan Arboretum (Dendropark) .

It is one of the most underrated places to visit in the city, without a doubt!

The unique atmosphere of Ijevan Dendropark offers visitors to explore the lush green hills of the area, take in the scent of nature, and views colorful arrays of flowers and trees throughout.

There are talks about letting visitors camp overnight – fingers crossed this happens in the future!

Matosavank Monastery

Matosavank Monastery is probably one of the most mysterious and fascinating monasteries in Armenia and it is hidden in the forests of Dilijan National Park.

Located only 3 kilometers away from Dilijan town in the Tavush region, this 13th-century monastery is one of the most desirable places for hikers to set off for and see this ancient cultural center with their own eyes!

Less than one kilometer from the Dilijan town center in the mountains, you will find a hidden lake called Lake Parz .

If you’re visiting Dilijan, it is imperative to drive up to Lake Parz (or hike there), enjoy a cup of coffee next to the cafe, and take a boat ride. Also, it’s a great hiking destination as there is a loop trail that goes to the lake.

Sharambeyan Old Street

Dilijan is an old spa town where it is possible to see wonderful nature and old Armenian architecture.

One of the streets to view it is called Sharambeyan Street .

Made from bricks and wood, the 19th-century buildings are situated in a greener area of the town where it is possible to feel the old scenes of the city.

On this street, you can relax in the small cafes, stay at the Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, and more.

Places to Visit in Aragatsotn Region

Amberd fortress.

The 7th-century Amberd Fortress was built on the way to the top of the Aragats Mountain at an elevation of 2200 meters in the Aragatsotn region.

It was built to protect the country from Parthians, Persians, and other conures and many famous Armenian kings and generals were staying in Ambers over the cemeteries.

Mount Aragats

The tallest mountain in Armenia, the mighty Aragats Mountain, is a four-peaked volcano located in the Aragatsotn region about an hour away from Yerevan.

Mount Aragats is 4090 meters high and offers great activities like hiking, bird watching, skiing, exploring cold water mountain lakes (Kari Lake, for example), and a great spot to indulge in Armenian khash, one of the best winter foods in Armenia .

Byurakan Observatory

Founded in 1946 by scholar Victor Ambartsumian, the Byurakan Observatory is one of the interesting constructions built during the Soviet-era in Armenia.

The astronomical observatory is located in the Aragatsotn region in Byurakan village where visitors can enter inside the observatory, see the telescope, and learn more about space and the universe.

Armenian Alphabet Monument

The Armenian alphabet was created more than 1600 years ago and in its honor, you can see an entire monument dedicated to it in the Aragatsotn region near Artashavan village.

It is called the Armenian Alphabet Monument .

There are 39 letters made from huge pieces of volcanic stone called tuff. Since being built in 2005, it has become one of the essential places to visit in Armenia and is a great destination to cycle to!

Mesmerizing Mount Aragats has several mountain lakes on it, but the most popular and the largest one is Kari Lake , where hundreds of travelers and hikers end up on their Aragats adventure.

At an elevation of 3,185 meters high, Kari Lake is not only a unique natural place to hike or drive up to in the warmer season, but there is also a small restaurant located nearby where you can eat traditional Armenian khash.

Ashtarak Gorge

One of the most famous and scenic gorges in Armenia is Ashtarak Gorge . It is known for its picnic and family resort area but it has so much more to offer! Inside of it, you will find historic churches situated on the edge of cliffs.

Two of the most famous churches are Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank Monasteries. You will also find several hiking trails, swimming areas, and more!

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, don’t miss out on Yeganyan’s Guest House and Wine Yard !

Radio Optical Observatory Telescope ROT-54

Known also as ROT-54, the impressive Radio Optical Observatory is a Soviet-era telescope built-in 1986 in the Aragatsotn region near Orgov Gorge.

There are hiking trails that lead hikers to view this obscure construction. It truly is one of the coolest Soviet constructions in Armenia!

Gegharot Waterfall

Besides spectacular alpine landscapes, Aragats Mountain is home to the famous Gegharot Waterfall .

At 17 meters high, the waterfall is situated 3000 meters above sea level in a picturesque location between gigantic rocks and it is one of the most beloved hiking destinations in Aragatsotn.

Saghmosavank Monastery

The 13th-century Saghmosavank Monastery is located in the Aragatsotn region right at the top of the edge of the Kasagh River Gorge.

This is a famous place to go hiking. Legend has it that there was a priest from the church that stopped the Tamerlane Conquest and saved the entire region.

Hovhannavank Monastery

On the other side of Saghmosavank Monastery, there is another 5th-century church that used to be a theological center on the edge of the Kasagh River Gorge in the Aragatsotn region in Ohanavan village.

It is called Hovhannavank Monastery.

There are famous hiking trails in between the two churches and one notable HIKEArmenia trail that takes you 7.5 kilometers through the gorge from church to church.

Dashtadem Fortress

The rustic-colored, 10th-century Dashtadem Fortress is located in the Aragatsotn region close to the beautiful Kristapor Vank 7th-century church.

Also known as Qagheni Fortress, the construction was used to defend from Arab invasions and there are many historical ruins to check out during your visit.

Places to Visit in Lori Region

Lori gorge (dzoraget canyon).

The picturesque 176 km long canyon in Armenia’s north actually looks like a giant crack down the middle of the Earth. This is one of the most prominent features in the Lori region.

Lori Gorge is home to many natural and historical monuments like Lori Fortress, Kobayr Monastery, the Debed River where you can go rafting , Horomayr, Odzun, many hiking trails, and much more.

Lori Berd (Lori Fortress)

The 11th-century Lori Fortress , also known as Lori Berd , is located in the Lori region only 15 minutes away from Stepanavan.

The impressive historical monument is situated right on the edge of Lori Gorge and over the years, it has gained popularity for travelers to hike there to see the construction, view the ancient cross-stones, and photograph the views.

Haghpat & Sanahin Monasteries

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haghpat Monastery is situated up high in the mountains and is a wonderful example of when nature and man combine forces to create something magical.

Haghpat Monastery construction started in the 10th-century at an altitude of 2,500 meters.

Sanahin Monastery , yet another gem of Armenia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located close by in Alaverdi and most travelers visit both monasteries together.

Sanahin Monastery was founded in the 10th-century and it is a complex of different constructions like St. Gregory Chapel, the monastery’s library, and another chapel surrounded by wonderful nature and mountains.

Akhtala Fortress

In the North of Armenia, you will find Akhtala Fortress and Monastery , a place that is a worthwhile stop near Alaverdi and if you’re also visiting Sanahin and Haghpat.

Also known as Copperchurch, Akhtala construction began in the 10th-century and is merely one kilometer away from the Akhtala town.

It is a wonderful stop on the way from Tbilisi to Yerevan, or vice versa.

Odzun Village

One of the biggest villages in the Lori region is Odzun . This gorge is a famous stop in the north of the country and there are many top sights located in its vicinity.

The jewel of Odzun Village and all the region is Odzun Church, one of the oldest churches in the world. Its construction started in the 6th-century in the center of the village.

Stepanavan Dendropark

Stepanavan Dendropark offers visitors to connect with nature in a 35 hectares natural forest where it is possible to see the nature of the Lori region at its best.

Stepanavan Dendropark is located in Gyulagarak village, approximately 12 km away from Stepanavan.

You’ll be able to see rare types of flowers, trees, and birds while you stroll along the well-kept paths through the gardens.

Kobayr Monastery Complex

One of the most sacred places in the Lori region, the 12th-century Kobayr Monastery Complex is an absolute hidden gem to hike to and see in Lori Canyon.

Located on the edge of an epic cave, the Kobayr Monastery Complex is a half-ruined historical monument where you need to hike up through the village of Kobayr to get there. This is such a cool place to stop and visit!

Horomayr Monastery Ruins

Located right on the cliff of the Lori region near Odzun village is Horomayri Monastery .

It’s not easily accessible but the 7th-century Horomayr Monastery ruins are a good, moderate day hike for those who want to get deep into the gorge to see this remarkable church hanging over the ledge.

Dsegh is a village in Lori that is one of the most charming places to visit in the province.

In Dsegh, you will find the house-museum of Hovhannes Tumanyan, a famous Armenian poet who was born there. There are also several hiking trails and natural places in the village.

You can also enjoy a night in nature with WOW Glamping . If you want another stop for the day, head to nearby Debed village !

St. Nicholas Abandoned Russian Church

There are several functional and also abandoned Russian churches in Armenia… and St. Nicholas one of them.

Located in Amrakits village close to Stepanavan, this mysterious 19th-century, Slavic-style construction is slowly gaining fame as people realize how hauntingly beautiful it is to photograph.

So, what did we leave out? What are your favorite places to visit in Armenia ?  Let us know the top attractions and landmarks in Armenia in the comments!

Pin this Places in Armenia Guide

3 thoughts on “ 101 Mind-blowing Places To Visit In Armenia (by Region) ”

What a fabulous and comprehensive article about Armenia, a place I have thought of visiting for some time, but now hope to see it, and many of the sights highlighted in your work, during 2023 Well done, a superb piece of work

A very comprehensive and well organised description of all the excellent sites Armenia has to offer. We are making a short visit in June, but after reading this, I think a longer visit to Armenia is necessary. Beautiful!

Thank you 🙂 Enjoy it!

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Best Time to Visit Armenia

• Post author By Best Time To Visit

Armenia, located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is a country known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history.

But when is the best time to visit this unique and magical country?

The best time to visit Armenia depends on the type of experience you are seeking.

The spring season, from March to May , is a popular time to visit, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and stunning blooms of wildflowers, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and exploring cultural heritage sites.

The summer season, from June to August , is also an excellent time to visit, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours, making it ideal for experiencing the rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife of Armenia.

The autumn season, from September to November , is also a popular time to visit, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and the renowned Yerevan Wine Festival, a celebration of Armenia’s rich wine-making tradition.

The winter season, from December to February , is an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience and enjoy the scenic beauty of the snow-capped mountains.

No matter when you choose to visit, you will be captivated by Armenia’s stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage.

So plan your trip accordingly and get ready to discover one of the world’s most unique and magical destinations.

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12 best places to visit in Armenia

19/12/2021 by Roobens Leave a Comment

Planning to visit Armenia? It’s an excellent idea! It’s not the most popular destination, but Armenia is a wonderful country! Culture and history lovers will love it, Armenia is 3500 years old! It’s the first country to declare Christianity as its national religion. Due to its location, everyone passed through the region: Romans, Byzantines, Persians, Soviets… What to do in Armenia? Here’s a list of Armenia tourist places, then I’ll share Armenia travel tips!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Armenia

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and it’s the largest city of the country (1/3 of the Armenian population lives there). There’s an big cafe culture, numerous restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. You cannot miss Republic Square where you’ll see the history museum of Armenia and a beautiful fountain. You have to see the statue Mother Armenia, the cascade complex and of course the Armenian Genocide Memorial. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Yerevan . Click here to find your accommodation.

It’s one of the most famous Armenia tourist attractions! Lake Sevan is in the heart of Armenia and it’s the largest lake of the country. It’s popular among the locals and tourists because you can enjoy numerous activities offered there (watersports…). There are also many monasteries and churches around the lake such as Sevanavank monastery. Some quiet villages surround the lake, but there are also more lively places with bars and clubs. Don’t miss Noratus cemetery and try isxhan (trout) from the lake, it’s delicious! Click here to find your accommodation.

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park only opened in 2002 but it’s already one of the most popular Armenia tourist spot. You’ll find there wonderful lakes and monasteries dating back to the 10th century such as Matosavank and Hagharstin. It’s an ideal park if you like hiking. People mostly go there to enjoy its lush forests. Dilijan was a peaceful retreat for creative types (musicians, writers etc.). Click here to find your accommodation.

It’s probably the most famous monastery in Armenia. It’s among Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage sites, and Armenians get married there. It was where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years. After being released, he convinced King Tiridates III of Armenia to convert to Christianity. This is how Armenia became the first Christian nation. You also have a wonderful view of Mount Ararat from the monastery.

There are many monasteries in Armenia, another popular one is Noravank, built in the 13th century. People say the monastery was saved by God himself when Armenia was conquered by the Mongols. Surrounded by high cliffs of beautiful orange and red colors, it’s very popular thanks to the carvings and motifs on the facades.

Garni is not far from Yerevan, and it’s definitely one of the places to see in Armenia. People go there to admire its temple dating back to the 1st century and its monastery. Some people say the temple was the sumer house of the royal families, others think it’s a tomb. Don’t miss it, and also Geghard monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Click here to find your accommodation.

It’s the second largest city of Armenia. It was devastated during the 1988 earthquake, and you can still see today how badly it was destroyed then. Head to the black fortress to enjoy a nice view of Gyumri. There are also many museums there, a brewery and also a Mother Armenia statue! Click here to find your accommodation.

It’s the cultural capital of Armenia. Its real name is Vagharshapat but no one uses it. People go there to see its breathtaking cathedral. Saint Gregory the Illuminator built it from 301 to 303. It’s one of the oldest churches in the world! There are other churches in the city, all of them being UNESCO World Heritage sites. Click here to find your accommodation.

Tatev monastery

Located in the south of the country, close to the border with Iran, Tatev monastery was built in the 9th century. It’s not easy to get there but the stunning views make the long trek worthwhile. Surrounded by mountainous landscapes, you’ll see there three churches, a library, a refectory, a bell tower and a mausoleum.

Jermuk is a wellness town! You’ll find there numerous spas and wellness centers! They say its mineral water has healing properties. Don’t miss the Jermuk waterfall, the second highest of Armenia. Click here to book your accommodation.

This is where you’ll find the best wine of the country. The Armenian wine is mostly produced in Areni. You can taste the local wine at different vineyards and buy some bottles. For your information, Areni is also home to the earliest known leather shoe, one of the oldest surviving brains, and a 6,000-year-old straw skirt! Click here to find your accommodation.

Vanadzor is the third largest city of Armenia. It’s in the north of the country. You have to see the botanical garden of Vanadzor, and take some time to visit the museum of fine arts. Have a walk in the charming city center. Vanadzor is a good starting point to visit the Lori region and its monasteries. Click here to find your accommodation.

Amberd fortress

Amberd fortress dates back to the 7th century. Its name means “fortress in the clouds” cause it’s 2,300 meters (7,500ft.) above sea level! Consequently sometimes the fortress is not accessible in winter because of the snow. The fortress is impressive, and the view from the top of it is stunning!

Karahunj observatory

Sometimes we call it the Stonehenge of Armenia! It’s made up of over 200 massive stone tombs, plus 40 stones standing in a circular formation. Each stone has holes 5cm (2inch.) in diameter. Like Stonehenge, this construction remains a mystery for scientists. Most people say it served as an observatory for star-watching.

These were the best places to visit in Armenia! Now here are a few Armenia travel tips!

Armenia travel budget

• Accommodation is not expensive in Armenia. One night in a hostel dorm costs around 4,000 AMD ($8). One night in a mid-range hotel costs about 10,000 AMD ($20). If you prefer luxury hotels, you’ll pay around 50,000 AMD ($100) per night. Click here to find your accommodation.
• Food is not expensive either. A local dish cost around 3,000 AMD ($6). One beer costs about 1,000 AMD ($2). A meal in a high-end restaurant costs around 5,000 AMD ($10).
• Regarding transportation, a metro or bus ride costs 100 AMD ($0.20). For the taxis, prices start at 600 AMD ($1.25) plus 100 AMD ($.20) per kilometer. There’s Uber too. Intercity buses and marshrutka rides are not expensive, around 1,000 AMD ($2). Train rides costs between 1,000 and 6,000 AMD ($2-12), depending on where you’re going. There are domestic flights between Yerevan and Gyumri. A one-way flight costs around 60,000 AMD ($120). You can also rent a car for 25,000 AMD ($50) per day. Finally, hitchhiking is very common in Armenia.
• Regarding activities, nothing is expensive. You’ll rarely pay more than 1,000 AMD ($2) to visit a monastery.

Basically, if you’re traveling on a budget,  you can get by with $40 per day. Otherwise you’ll spend about $70 per day.

How to get around in Armenia

In Yerevan only, there’s the subway (one line with 10 stations), and Uber. There are also buses and marshrutkas (vans). To get around in the country, there’s also the train, the marshrutkas, domestic flights and hitchhiking. Be careful though, there are very few signs in English. Don’t hesitate to ask a local for help.

Best time to visit Armenia

June, September and October are the best months to visit Armenia. The weather is nice (around 20°C/68°F) and it’s possible to enjoy outdoor activities. In May it rains a lot. In July and August it’s scorching outside (around 35°C/95°F). In winter it’s really cold (below 0°C/32°F), only get there if you want to ski. On the first week of January, almost everything is closed! If you go to Armenia 14 weeks after Easter (around July), you’ll enjoy Vardavar festival .

Visa policy of Armenia

If you’re an European citizen or coming from a Western country, you don’t need a visa to get to Armenia. You can find all the details here .

Safety in Armenia

Armenia is a very safe country. Since it’s not a touristy country, there are almost no scams targeting tourists. You might face being overcharged by taxi drivers but that’s it. Also avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region which is in conflict with Azerbaijan and everything will be fine. Solo female travelers felt very safe in Armenia.

Sometimes the locals will stare at you, but it’s just because they’re not use to see tourists. If you drive be careful because the driving can be crazy there. Don’t forget to get travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one.

Packing list for Armenia

I’m not gonna list all the things to pack for Armenia. I don’t know how long you’re gonna stay there, where you’re going in Armenia, what you’re going to do and when you’ll visit. Take all the necessary clothes, toiletries, and also:

• hand sanitizer
• combination locks
• a money belt
• a security cable lock
• a travel plug adapter
• a stainless steel water bottle
• a lifestraw (a water bottle with a purifier)
• a menstrual cup (for the ladies)

Here’s a full list of travel accessories , which can be useful!

What to eat in Armenia

There are many dishes you have to try in Armenia!  Lavash is a thin flatbread which is complimentary with almost every dish. Dolma is a dish of minced meat, rice, herbs and spices wrapped in grape leaves. Lahmajun is an Armenian thin crust pizza with beef. Ghapama is an entree comprising of rice cooked in a pumpkin-vegetarian. Tan is a yoghurt drink like the Indian lassi. Finally, the Armenian brandy is renowned all over the world (Churchill and Stalin loved it).

That’s it! You have all the information needed to travel to Armenia smoothly!

• Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page!
• Want a tailor-made trip to Armenia? Get a free quote here !
• Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it. Here’s why use a VPN when traveling .

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Armenia turns towards west in search of allies amid Azerbaijan tensions

Series of traumatic defeats has prompted a rethink in what was once seen as the most pro-Moscow of the ex-Soviet republics

W ith its waterfall, hot spring, orchards full of apricot blossom and a gorge through which the swollen Arpa River races, the town of Jermuk since Soviet times has been one of the most visited in Armenia. That was until just after midnight on 12 September 2022 when Azerbaijani forces surged over the border , advancing about 4 miles in a two-day push that left them in full control of the long mountain ridge overlooking the town.

“It was truly frightening. The forest was set on fire. It was like lightning coming down on us. It went on for two days. We did not know how it would end, and how to get our families out,” recalled Rubik Avakelyan, 69, sitting on a park bench.

The initial three-hour attack included mortars, heavy artillery and drones. The whole town now lives in fear of a further attack. “We did not know which way to turn, but I do not see much future here,” Avakelyan said.

Closer to the frontline, buildings and a fish farm lie abandoned, adding to the sense of foreboding and decay that contested borders can bring.

“The Azeris are fortifying their positions and we think when the snow is over they are planning something else,” said Vahagn Arsenyan, the mayor of the 9,000-strong town. “We expect a new aggression at any time, and right now and here where we are sitting in this office is a visible target for them. They have damaged us economically and psychologically. The hotel rooms were usually 90% occupied.”

Tourism income is down 60% as visitors are put off by the presence of Azerbaijan’s forces only 3 miles away. “If there is no economy, families want to leave,” Arsenyan said.

The quest for suitable allies is a constant in Armenia’s history, as testified to by a statue of a 17th-century Armenian diplomat, Israel Ori, on the outskirts of town. Ori dedicated his life to the country’s liberation from the Persian and Ottoman empires. He travelled through Europe fruitlessly in search of countries willing to help liberate Armenia , before finally arriving at the court of Peter the Great to plead: “We do not have another hope, we hope for God and your country.”

Armenia’s prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, is caught in a similar predicament. He has invested hope in building alliances to fend off the “Turks”, as many Armenians call the Azeris. However, it is not to a distracted Russia that he has turned but to the west, a gamble for this lonely democracy in a region of authoritarianism.

It is a remarkable turnaround for a country that used to get 98% of its arms from Russia and was seen as probably the most pro-Moscow of the former Soviet republics at the time of the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991.

Pashinyan came to power in a velvet revolution in 2018. Faced with intractable conflicts, he did not initially seek to break the security partnership with Russia. Landlocked, with two of its four borders – with Turkey and Azerbaijan – closed, Pashinyan could hardly afford to alienate Russia in what Moscow regarded as its back yard.

But a rethink has been prompted by a series of traumatic defeats at the hands of the better trained and better armed Azerbaijan in 2020 and 2022, followed by the expulsion of more than 100,000 Armenians from the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. On the latter two occasions, Russia, burdened by the war in Ukraine, failed to come to Armenia’s protection, in effect trashing security guarantees.

Popular anger at the perceived betrayal by Russian peacekeepers, especially among some of the expelled refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh , is intense.

Sitting in a rudimentary government-provided flat in the capital, Yerevan, Ruslan Hayrapetyan, a former police officers, said he repeatedly went to the Russian peacekeepers with carefully documented incidents of Azeri attacks on farmers, only to be told by the Russians: “Do you think we are here to die for you?”

His wife, Nina, said that as Azerbaijan pushed into the enclave after an eight-month food blockade, her family spent two days hiding from the shelling in shelters and were then told that the best that Russians could do was open a road out of their town, Martuni, to the capital, and from there they would be taken on buses through the Lachin corridor to Armenia.

She said the town administrator told them: “In 10 hours the Azeris will enter the town. You may stay, but I will remind you of the massacres of 1915. You will be tortured, raped and beheaded.”

Ethnic Armenians fled what had been their homeland for generations, in what they regarded as a piece of ethnic cleansing, and some of their captured political leaders still languish in jails in Azerbaijan. Pashinyan, in an interview with a group of British journalists, admitted he believed the refugees now scattered around Armenia would never be able to return.

The episode caused the rupture in Armenian-Russian relations and further polarised an already divided Armenian society. Russia’s peacekeepers have this month left Nagorno-Karabakh ahead of schedule. In a sign of an ideological chasm, the speaker of the Armenian parliament this week attacked Russia’s Ukraine policy, leading to claims of Russophobia from Moscow.

National assembly members complain that Azerbaijan seems unconstrained and determined to raise more demands. “My profession, international law, is dead,” said Vladimir Vardanyan, the chair of the legal affairs committee. He warned of a new era of imperialism in which countries such as his own were squeezed.

“Each and every empire has been interested in increasing its land, and since we currently have a situation where the traditional alliances built at Potsdam [and] Yalta are no longer operating, sovereignty becomes ever more vulnerable,” he said. “It’s important we build a consensus about the future of this region because if we do not, we will have a more imperialistic world than in the 19th century.”

In his tiny office in Yerevan, Tigran Grigoryan, an articulate thinktanker, blamed the “fiasco” in Nagorno-Karabakh on the fact that the war in Ukraine had distracted and weakened Russia. He said: “Relations with Azerbaijan turned out to be more important for Russia than fulfilling its obligations to Armenia. President Ilham Aliyev [of Azerbaijan] has seen this power vacuum and the military imbalance between the two countries to make threats and extract ever more unilateral concessions.”

This month Pashinyan ceded four unoccupied border villages in the north-eastern province of Tavush back to Azerbaijani control after three decades. It was billed as the first step in the negotiated process of defining the borders between the two countries along the boundaries that existed at the time of the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

Accused by the opposition of endless capitulation, Pashinyan insisted the alternative would have been war. The deal sparked days of protests by villagers, leading to as many as 80 arrests in the capital.

Emotions had already been running high since it was the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, a time when tens of thousands of Armenians, carrying carnations and roses, process to the monument that commemorates a genocide that not all countries, including the UK, recognise.

“Virtually everyone in Armenia has one ancestor or relative who was either killed in the genocide or forced to leave its ancestral home,” Rubinyan said.

The most visible example of the pivot has been since February 2023 the deployment of a 200-strong unarmed EU civilian monitoring mission that has already amassed more than 2,000 patrols from six bases on the Armenian side of the border. With their blue flags, Jeeps and binoculars, they observe Azerbaijani troop movements and send copious daily reports back to Brussels. The staff seem convinced they provide reassurance when tensions and disinformation flourish.

Markus Ritter, the mission’s director, defended its limited objectives. “We can calm things down. We have become a stabilising factor,” he said. “If you compare the situation before the deployment and afterwards, there is a difference.”

But in parts of southern Armenia, Russia blocks his observers from operating. Ritter admitted: “This is a country that is desperately looking for friends and allies.”

Armenia is now buying weapons from India and France, and on 5 April the EU and the US pledged to provide Armenia with €270m and $65m respectively.

The new partnership is designed to start easing Armenia’s heavy dependence on the Russian markets and energy. But it is a very modest package, prompting one Armenian diplomat to complain privately: “I fear we are being led like lambs to the slaughter.”

• Nagorno-Karabakh

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